Which of the following statements is true? A. Condensation absorbs heat and thus warms the atmosphere. B. Evaporation absorbs heat and thus warms the atmosphere. C. Condensation releases heat and thus cools the atmosphere. D. Evaporation absorbs heat and thus cools the atmosphere.

Condensation is the phase change where water vapor turns into liquid water. This transformation occurs when water droplets form on cooler surfaces, like a cold glass of water on a hot day. Let's dive deeper into the energy aspects of this change. During condensation, water vapor releases its latent heat into the surrounding environment. This is because to change from a gas to a liquid, the water molecules need to lose energy. As a result, heat is liberated into the atmosphere, which leads to warming in the immediate vicinity.
So, when thinking about condensation, remember these key points:

• Condensation changes water vapor into liquid water.
• It releases heat into the surroundings.
• This release of heat results in warming the local environment.

This contradicts the common misconception that condensation would cool the air. Always consider the energy exchange involved.

Evaporation is the process where liquid water transforms into water vapor. This usually happens on the surface of bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or puddles. Energy plays a huge role in this phase change. When water evaporates, it requires energy to break the molecular bonds that keep it in a liquid state. This energy comes from the water’s surroundings, which means the heat is absorbed from the environment. As a result, evaporation cools down the surroundings.
For a clear understanding of evaporation, note the following facts:

• Evaporation changes liquid water into water vapor.
• It absorbs heat from the environment.
• This absorption of heat results in cooling the local atmosphere.

Thus, evaporation involves an intake of energy, leading to a cooling effect on its surroundings.

Energy exchange is a crucial element in the processes of phase changes like condensation and evaporation. Both require or release energy, impacting the temperature of their surroundings. Let’s break it down:
In condensation, energy in the form of heat is released. As water vapor turns into liquid water, it loses energy, which then warms the surrounding atmosphere.
On the other hand, evaporation absorbs energy. Liquid water becoming water vapor requires heat, which cools the nearby environment.
Understanding this energy exchange helps explain atmospheric changes associated with phase transitions:

• Condensation releases heat, warming the atmosphere.
• Evaporation absorbs heat, cooling the atmosphere.

So when thinking about phase changes, always remember their energy effects and how they can impact the local climate and weather conditions.