Question

What is condensation, and why is it also a warming process?

Answer 1

Consider the reaction: `H_2O(l) + Delta rarr H_2O(g)`

Explanation:

Now I have represented heat as `Delta`, and reasonably, I have to put the kettle onto the stove, turn on the burner, and allow the flame/element to heat the water to get it to boil.

Now the reverse reaction is clearly:

`H_2O(g) rarr H_2O(l) + Delta`, and this is clearly a condensation reaction; moreover it is a reaction where heat or energy is clearly a product of the reaction; and thus, again reasonably, we may designate this as an exothermic, or `"warming"` process.