Final answer:
The force used to condense an amalgam in a preparation is called cohesive force. It is responsible for the condensation process from a gaseous to a liquid state. An example of an amalgam is dental amalgam used by dentists to fill cavities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force used to condense an amalgam in a preparation is called cohesive force.
When an amalgam, which is a combination of other metals dissolved in a small amount of mercury, undergoes condensation, the cohesive force, or force of attraction between the identical molecules of the amalgam, is responsible for the condensation process from a gaseous to a liquid state.
An example of an amalgam is dental amalgam, used by dentists to fill cavities. It contains silver and other metals and approximately 50% of its weight is mercury. The cohesive force between the molecules of the amalgam is what allows it to condense and solidify when used to fill cavities.