The process of condensing steam back to liquid water is called condensation. This occurs when steam, which is water in its gas form, loses energy and transforms back into liquid water.
Energy is released during the condensation of steam because when water vapor loses energy, the molecules slow down and come closer together, forming liquid water. This process releases the excess energy in the form of heat.
The source of energy for the condensation of steam back to liquid water is the latent heat of vaporization. This is the amount of energy required to transform a substance from liquid to gas, or in this case, from steam to liquid water.
As steam loses energy and condenses back into liquid water, its temperature decreases. This is because the energy is being released in the form of heat, causing the temperature to drop. The lower the temperature, the more energy is released during condensation.
The energy released during the condensation of steam is often used in heating systems and power plants. In heating systems, the steam is used to heat up a liquid, such as water, which is then circulated through a building to provide heat. In power plants, the steam is used to turn turbines and generate electricity.