Cooling of water vapor - air mixture to T < 273K

In summary, the process of cooling water vapor - air mixture to temperatures below 273K is known as condensation, where water vapor turns into liquid water due to a decrease in temperature. As the temperature decreases, the air molecules lose energy and slow down, leading to a decrease in volume, pressure, and an increase in density. The temperature 273K is significant as it marks the point at which condensation occurs. Factors such as temperature, pressure, humidity, air flow, surface area, and impurities can affect the cooling process. The application of cooling water vapor - air mixture to temperatures below 273K is essential in everyday life, including air conditioning, refrigeration, the production of dry ice, and the formation of clouds and
  • #1
mike133
10
0
What happens if you cool the mixture of water vapor and air to the temperature lower than 273 K? Since saturation pressure is higher than 0 some vapor should stay in the air. In the solid form?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF.

At 280K, water can (and usually does on Earth!) simultanously exist in gaseous and liquid states, in equilibrium. No reason why you can't have a gas/solid equilibrium too.
 

1. What is the process of cooling water vapor - air mixture to temperatures below 273K?

The process of cooling water vapor - air mixture to temperatures below 273K is known as condensation. This is when water vapor, which is a gas, turns into liquid water due to a decrease in temperature.

2. What happens to the air molecules during the cooling process?

As the temperature decreases, the air molecules lose energy and slow down. This decrease in energy causes the molecules to move closer together, leading to a decrease in volume. This results in a decrease in pressure and an increase in density.

3. Why is the temperature 273K significant in the cooling of water vapor - air mixture?

The temperature 273K, also known as the freezing point of water, is significant because it is the point at which water vapor turns into liquid water. This is important in the cooling process as it marks the point at which condensation occurs.

4. What factors can affect the cooling process of water vapor - air mixture?

The cooling process of water vapor - air mixture can be affected by various factors, including temperature, pressure, and humidity. Other factors such as air flow, surface area, and the presence of impurities can also impact the rate of cooling.

5. What is the application of cooling water vapor - air mixture to T < 273K in daily life?

Cooling water vapor - air mixture to temperatures below 273K has many everyday applications, including air conditioning, refrigeration, and the production of dry ice. It is also essential for the formation of clouds and precipitation, which are crucial for the water cycle and weather patterns.

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