What term is used to describe the temperature at which condensation occurs?

The term used to describe the temperature at which condensation occurs is the dew point. This temperature is crucial in meteorology as it indicates the point at which the air becomes saturated, meaning it can no longer hold all of its moisture in the form of vapor, leading to the formation of liquid water, such as dew, fog, or clouds.

When the air temperature drops to the dew point, water vapor within the air condenses into water droplets. This principle is significant in understanding weather patterns and phenomena. For example, when the dew point is close to the actual air temperature, the air feels more humid, and there is a higher likelihood of precipitation or fog.

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air but does not specifically indicate the temperature at which condensation occurs. The term “condensation point” is less commonly used and can be confused with dew point, while the boiling point refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns to vapor, which is a different concept altogether. Therefore, the dew point is the most accurate and scientifically accepted term for the temperature at which condensation happens.