The transition from gas to liquid is known as condensation. This process occurs when gas molecules lose energy and come closer together to form a liquid. It typically happens when the gas is cooled or when it is compressed.
When a gas is heated, its molecules move rapidly and spread apart, occupying a larger volume. Conversely, when the gas is cooled, the molecules slow down, and their kinetic energy decreases. As they lose energy, the attractive forces between the molecules become significant enough to overcome the energy of motion, causing the molecules to cling together and form a liquid.
Take the example of water vapor in the air. As the air cools, the water vapor loses energy and condenses into tiny droplets of liquid water, which can be seen as dew on the grass in the morning or as clouds in the sky. Understanding this transition is vital in various fields, including meteorology, refrigeration, and even everyday cooking.