Gas to Liquid: Condensation

About this printable What Is Condensation science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 3-6)

This engaging science passage for Grades 4-5 introduces students to the concept of condensation, the process where a gas turns into a liquid. Aligned with NGSS standards, the passage explains key scientific vocabulary like evaporation, condensation, and dew point in simple terms, with real-world examples such as dew on grass and water droplets on cold drinks. Students will learn about the water cycle and how condensation is important for weather and daily life. The resource includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation of the passage, reading comprehension questions, and writing prompts to promote critical thinking and application. Audio integration is available to support diverse learners. This resource is ideal for classroom or at-home science learning and supports NGSS standards for understanding states of matter.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz from What Is Condensation

Condensation Zoomed In — "Condensation on car window. Image by Doggo19292 / Wikimedia Commons

Condensation is the process when a gas changes into a liquid. This happens when gas cools down. The most common example is when water vapor in the air turns into liquid water. This is an important part of the water cycle.

When water is heated, it turns into a gas called water vapor. This is called evaporation. The water vapor rises into the air. When the air cools down, water vapor loses heat energy. The particles slow down and come closer together. Then, the gas changes back into a liquid. This change is called condensation.

You can see condensation in your daily life. On a hot day, if you have a cold glass of water, water droplets form on the outside of the glass. This is because water vapor in the warm air touches the cold glass, cools down, and turns into liquid water. In the morning, you might see dew on grass or car windows. Dew forms because the air cools overnight, causing water vapor to condense into tiny water droplets.

Clouds are also made by condensation. High up in the sky, air is colder. When warm, moist air rises, it cools. The water vapor in the air condenses into tiny drops of water, which come together to form clouds. This process is a key part of how rain is made.

Condensation is used in many ways. At home, dehumidifiers use condensation to remove water from the air. In science labs, condensation helps collect pure water. Without condensation, there would be no rain, and plants and animals would not get the water they need.

Interesting Fact: The largest cloud on Earth is over the Amazon Rainforest and is formed by condensation of water vapor from millions of trees!