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What is water vapor? How is it formed?
What is water vapor? How is it formed?
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by
Kidpid.
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by
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1 Reply
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Water vapor is the gaseous phase of water. It is formed when water molecules, which are in the liquid or solid phase, gain enough energy through heat to break their intermolecular bonds and transition into the gas phase. This process is known as evaporation or vaporization.
When liquid water is exposed to heat, the kinetic energy of water molecules increases. Some of these molecules near the surface gain enough energy to overcome the forces holding them together, allowing them to escape as vapor into the surrounding air. This process occurs at any temperature, but it becomes more rapid as the temperature increases.
Water vapor can also be formed through sublimation, which is the direct transition of water molecules from the solid (ice) to the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase. This typically occurs at temperatures below the freezing point of water.
Once water vapor is formed, it can mix with air and become a part of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is an essential component of the Earth’s water cycle, where it can condense back into liquid or solid form to form clouds, and then precipitate as rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.
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