Final answer:
Condensation is the process by which gas particles cool and transition into a liquid state, resulting in a greater density and the release of latent heat. This process often occurs on cold surfaces due to the transfer of heat energy away from the vapor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Condensation is the physical process where particles transition from the vapor phase to the liquid phase. During condensation, gas particles (which are relatively low density) come closer together when cooled and turn into liquid (which has a much greater density). This transformation is the reverse of vaporization and involves a decrease in the dispersal of the matter, as the molecules occupy a much smaller volume than they did in the gas phase. An example of condensation is when water vapor in the air turns into liquid water droplets on the surface of a cold beverage glass or forms as fog. The condensation process also involves the release of latent heat, which results in the warming of the surrounding environment. For this process to occur, energy must be removed from the gas particles, which is why condensation often happens on colder surfaces.