Explain, using particle theory, what happens when steam in the bathroom hits a cold surface, such as a mirror.
Answers
Answered by
46
The fog on the bathroom mirror is caused by condensation. Condensation is the term we use to describe the process which occurs when moisture in the air is extracted. Condensation happens when the temperature of air containing moisture decreases. Falling air temperatures cause condensation because warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. This is the exact same process that takes place when a hot air mass encounters a cold air mass and we experience a rainstorm.
When warm air in the bathroom is heated by the shower to temperatures as much as 100 degrees F, the air becomes saturated with moisture. When this saturated hot air comes in contact with the bathroom mirror, which may be as much as 30 degrees F less than the air temperature, the moisture begins to come out of the air and be deposited on the mirror surface. The clouds of steam in your bathroom are basically raining on your mirror.
By raising the surface temperature of the mirror to be the same as or greater than the temperature of the air in the bathroom, condensation is prevented.
When warm air in the bathroom is heated by the shower to temperatures as much as 100 degrees F, the air becomes saturated with moisture. When this saturated hot air comes in contact with the bathroom mirror, which may be as much as 30 degrees F less than the air temperature, the moisture begins to come out of the air and be deposited on the mirror surface. The clouds of steam in your bathroom are basically raining on your mirror.
By raising the surface temperature of the mirror to be the same as or greater than the temperature of the air in the bathroom, condensation is prevented.
Answered by
14
Answer:
As the water vapor touches the mirror the particles of the vapor loses energy and they move less then the process Condensation takes place in which the gas turns into water.
Explanation:
Similar questions