What is the name given to the process of water vapor turning into liquid water?

The process of water vapor transforming into liquid water is referred to as condensation. This occurs when the air is saturated with water vapor and cannot hold any more moisture. As the temperature drops, or when the air rises and cools, the water vapor cools and condenses around microscopic particles such as dust or pollen, forming water droplets. This is a fundamental process in the water cycle and is essential for the formation of clouds, fog, and dew.

In contrast, evaporation is the process where liquid water is transformed into vapor. Precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain or snow, while transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried from inside plants to the atmosphere, primarily through small openings in leaves. Understanding these processes is crucial for grasping the dynamics of weather and climate.