During the process of condensation, what is being transformed?

Condensation is the process in which a gas transitions into a liquid state. This occurs when gas particles lose energy, allowing them to come closer together and form a liquid. For instance, when warm air containing water vapor cools down, the water vapor condenses into water droplets, which is why you often see dew or condensation on surfaces in the morning.

Understanding this process is crucial because it illustrates fundamental principles about states of matter and energy transfer. During condensation, the energy that was previously accounted for in the gaseous state is released, often resulting in heat being expelled into the surrounding environment. This is why you might feel a slight warmth when humid air condenses on a cold surface.

In contrast, the other transformations mentioned in the available choices do not align with the definition of condensation. A gas turning into a solid is known as deposition, a liquid turning into a gas is evaporation or boiling, and a solid turning into a liquid is melting. These processes each involve different energy changes and particle behaviors that do not reflect the transition specifically described by condensation.