What is the temperature called where small droplets of liquid first start to form in a saturated gas?

What is the temperature called where small droplets of liquid first start to form in a saturated gas?

• A. Boiling point
• B. Dew point
• C. Freezing point
• D. Condensation point

Answer: (B)

The temperature where small droplets of liquid first begin to form in a saturated gas is known as the dew point. At this temperature, the air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to the condensation of water vapor into tiny liquid droplets. This concept is crucial in HVAC applications, especially when managing humidity levels and ensuring comfort within indoor environments. When the air temperature drops to the dew point, the capacity of the air to hold water vapor decreases, resulting in condensation. This phenomenon is important for understanding how moisture levels can impact both indoor air quality and the efficiency of refrigeration systems. In contrast, the boiling point refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor. The freezing point denotes the temperature at which a liquid becomes solid, and the condensation point generally refers to the specific temperature at which a substance transitions from vapor to liquid, which can be considered synonymous with the dew point for water vapor in air. However, in the context of saturated gases, "dew point" is the most specific and relevant term.

The temperature where small droplets of liquid first begin to form in a saturated gas is known as the dew point. At this temperature, the air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to the condensation of water vapor into tiny liquid droplets. This concept is crucial in HVAC applications, especially when managing humidity levels and ensuring comfort within indoor environments.

When the air temperature drops to the dew point, the capacity of the air to hold water vapor decreases, resulting in condensation. This phenomenon is important for understanding how moisture levels can impact both indoor air quality and the efficiency of refrigeration systems.

In contrast, the boiling point refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor. The freezing point denotes the temperature at which a liquid becomes solid, and the condensation point generally refers to the specific temperature at which a substance transitions from vapor to liquid, which can be considered synonymous with the dew point for water vapor in air. However, in the context of saturated gases, "dew point" is the most specific and relevant term.