Final answer:
Water vapor requires a condensation nucleus to condense. This is a surface that allows water vapor to transition from a gas to a liquid state, a process integral to the water cycle and atmospheric dynamics.
d is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
Water vapor requires a condensation nucleus in order to condense. This is due to the physical process where water vapor, which is a gas, converts into a liquid form that has much greater density. The process results in the molecules occupying a much lesser volume. Condensation nuclei serve as a surface for the vapor molecules to latch onto, allowing them to transition from a gaseous to a liquid state. Examples of this process include the formation of dew on the outside of a cold beverage glass or the development of fog.
In our atmosphere, condensation is closely connected with convection currents. As water evaporates from sources like oceans, it removes heat from the surface. When this water vapor is carried up by convection currents and cools, it condenses into liquid droplets forming clouds. The release of energy during this phase change causes the air to expand and rise, which can lead to weather phenomena such as storms or even hurricanes.
Overall, for the condensation of water vapor, the presence of a condensation nucleus is crucial, facilitating the change from a gas to a liquid. This phase change from water vapor to liquid is integral to the water cycle and is a key factor in atmospheric dynamics.