A bathroom mirror fogs up during a hot shower. What is the associated phase change?

Rationale

Condensation occurs when a bathroom mirror fogs up during a hot shower.

During a hot shower, steam from the hot water rises and then cools upon contact with the cooler surface of the bathroom mirror, leading to the formation of tiny water droplets. This process is known as condensation, where water vapor transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid state.

A (Freezing) YOUR ANSWER

Freezing is the phase change from liquid to solid, typically occurring when temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F) for water. In the context of a bathroom mirror fogging up, freezing does not apply, as the water vapor is not turning into ice but rather condensing into liquid droplets on the mirror's surface.

B (Condensation) CORRECT

Condensation is the correct phase change occurring when warm, humid air comes into contact with the cooler mirror. The water vapor cools and transforms back into liquid water, resulting in the foggy appearance. This process is a common occurrence in humid environments and is critical in understanding moisture and temperature interactions.

C (Evaporation) YOUR ANSWER

Evaporation is the process where liquid water transforms into water vapor, typically occurring when water is heated. While evaporation happens during the shower, it is not the phase change associated with the fogging of the mirror, which rather involves water vapor turning back into liquid.

D (Melting) YOUR ANSWER

Melting refers to the transition from solid to liquid, such as ice turning into water. In the scenario of a fogging mirror, melting does not take place, as the process involves the condensation of vapor, not the conversion of a solid to a liquid.

Conclusion

The fogging of a bathroom mirror during a hot shower exemplifies the condensation process, where water vapor cools and forms liquid droplets on the cooler surface. Understanding this phase change is essential in recognizing how temperature and humidity affect the behavior of water in different states. Other choices, such as freezing, evaporation, and melting, do not accurately describe the phenomenon occurring in this situation.

A bathroom mirror fogs up during a hot shower. What is the associated phase change?

Condensation occurs when a bathroom mirror fogs up during a hot shower.

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