What is the process called when water vapor turns into liquid water?

The process of water vapor turning into liquid water is known as condensation. This occurs when water vapor cools and loses energy, causing the molecules to come together and form liquid droplets. This is often observed in the formation of clouds or dew.

During condensation, the temperature and pressure play significant roles in the process, as it generally requires cooler temperatures for the water vapor in the air to transition into a liquid state. It is a crucial part of the water cycle, contributing to the formation of precipitation when the droplets become heavy enough to fall from clouds. Understanding this process is essential for grasping broader concepts in both meteorology and environmental science.