What describes condensation?

Condensation is defined as the process in which a gas transforms into a liquid. This phenomenon typically occurs when the temperature of the gas decreases or when it is subjected to an increase in pressure. The molecules in the gas lose energy and come closer together, resulting in the formation of liquid droplets.

In the context of weather, condensation is a crucial part of the water cycle, as it is responsible for the formation of clouds when water vapor in the air cools and transitions into liquid water droplets. This process is essential for precipitation and various atmospheric phenomena.

The other options do not accurately describe condensation. The transformation from liquid to solid refers to freezing, the stages of precipitation formation do not specifically define any single phase change, and the conversion of solid ice directly to vapor is called sublimation. Thus, the definition of condensation is clearly aligned with the first option, which captures the essence of the process accurately.