What is the term for water vapor returning to liquid following cooling?

The term for water vapor returning to liquid following cooling is condensation. This process occurs when water vapor in the air cools to the point where it can no longer remain in a gaseous state, thus transforming into liquid water droplets. This is commonly observed in the formation of clouds, where water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, leading to condensation.

During condensation, the water molecules lose energy as they cool, allowing them to bond together and form liquid water. This is a crucial part of the water cycle and plays a vital role in weather patterns and the distribution of precipitation. Understanding condensation is essential for studying atmospheric processes and environmental management.