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

The process where water vapor turns into liquid water is known as condensation. This occurs when water vapor in the air cools and changes back to liquid form, often resulting in the formation of clouds, dew, or fog. Condensation usually happens when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to a decrease in temperature that allows the water vapor to lose energy and transition into the liquid state.

Understanding condensation is essential in the water cycle, as it plays a vital role in various meteorological phenomena. For instance, when the temperature drops at night, water vapor in the air can condense on surfaces, resulting in dew. Similarly, this principle is fundamental in cloud formation, where billions of tiny water droplets form around microscopic particles in the atmosphere.

In contrast, evaporation refers to the process of liquid water turning into vapor, while transpiration relates to the release of water vapor from plants. Precipitation encompasses any form of water, such as rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the ground. Each of these processes is significant in the water cycle, but condensation specifically denotes the conversion of gas into liquid, establishing it as the correct answer.