And here's the key: the speed of molecules *decreases* during condensation.
Here's why:
* Gas molecules have high kinetic energy: They move quickly and are far apart.
* Condensation requires cooling: When a gas cools, the molecules lose energy, slowing down.
* Slower molecules attract: As molecules slow down, their attractive forces become stronger.
* Liquid formation: These attractive forces cause the molecules to clump together, forming a more dense liquid state.
So, think of it like this: condensation is the opposite of evaporation (boiling). Evaporation requires heat to make molecules move faster and break free from the liquid, while condensation requires cooling to slow molecules down and let them form a liquid.
