Science, Tech, Math › Science Condensation Definition in Chemistry What Condensation Means in Chemistry Share Flipboard Email Print Pixabay Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on May 06, 2019 Condensation is the change in the state of matter from the gas phase to the liquid phase. It is the reverse of vaporization. During condensation, atoms and molecules form clusters. For example, within a cloud, water nucleates around a dust, pollen, or microbial particle. Eventually the clusters reach sufficient mass to form droplets. Source Enright, Ryan (2014). "Dropwise Condensation on Micro- and Nanostructured Surfaces". Nanoscale and Microscale Thermophysical Engineering. 18 (3): 223–250. doi:10.1080/15567265.2013.862889 Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Condensation Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-condensation-604411. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). Condensation Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-condensation-604411 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Condensation Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-condensation-604411 (accessed March 20, 2023). copy citation