What is the primary difference between vaporization and condensation?

The primary difference between vaporization and condensation lies in the phase change that each represents. Vaporization is the process in which a liquid turns into a gas. This occurs when the molecules of the liquid gain sufficient energy (typically through heating) to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together, allowing them to escape into the vapor phase.

On the other hand, condensation is the process where a gas transitions back into a liquid. During condensation, gas molecules lose energy, often as a result of cooling, which allows them to come closer together and form a liquid as they lose kinetic energy and intermolecular forces become more significant.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in various scientific and practical applications, including understanding weather phenomena, refrigeration processes, and even distillation techniques. The other options do not accurately reflect the core concepts associated with these phase changes.