What is the change in state of a substance from gas to liquid called?

The change in state of a substance from gas to liquid is referred to as condensation. In this process, gas molecules lose energy, typically due to a decrease in temperature or an increase in pressure, allowing them to come together to form a liquid. This phenomenon is seen in everyday examples such as when water vapor in the air condenses into droplets on a cold surface or when dew forms on grass in the morning.

Understanding condensation is crucial in various scientific fields, including meteorology, where it plays a significant role in cloud formation and precipitation processes. The other terms listed describe different physical changes: evaporation is the process where liquid turns into gas, precipitation refers to the formation of solid or liquid water that falls from clouds, and solidification is the transition from liquid to solid. These distinctions highlight the unique nature of the condensation process within the broader context of phase changes in matter.