explain how condensation works
While condensation does cool the air inside of the air parcel, in order for that cooling to occur, that parcel must release heat into the surrounding environment. Thus, when speaking about the effect of condensation on the overall atmosphere, it warms it. Here's how it works: Remember from chemistry class that molecules in a gas are energetic and move very fast, while those in a liquid move slower. In order for condensation to happen, the water vapor molecules must release energy so that they can slow their movement. (This energy is hidden and is therefore called latent heat .). A number of well-known weather phenomenon are caused by condensation, including: 1  Dew. 2  Fog.