Condensation

Definition

The phase change in which vapor collapses back into liquid as the Hydrogen-Bond Network reforms, releasing the stored latent heat of vaporization.

When steam contacts a cooler surface and condenses, the vapor collapses and the energy added during vaporization is released precisely where needed. This release is why steam is used to deliver heat across distance, paid for at the boiler and collected wherever it condenses. Condensation also lowers local pressure, which can let molecules escape into gas at lower temperatures elsewhere.

Related concepts

Phase Change · Steam · Hydrogen-Bond Network

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics