Vapor vs Gas

[Bailey Herbert 2L]

Hi,

This is a random question but is a vapor and a gas the same thing? When we talk about vaporization does it mean a gas is created? Or is it specifically referring to water molecules that have increased in energy enough that they separate and fly around?

Thanks

[Ashley M 2E]

A gas refers to a substance that has a single defined thermodynamic state at room temperature whereas a vapor refers to a substance that is a mixture of two phases at room temperature, namely gaseous and liquid phase. A vapor has undergone a phase change while a gas did not. For example, nitrogen is gas in room temperature, but water is liquid. When water is heated, it undergoes a phase change and water vapor forms. Also, gas is a state of matter while vapor is not.

[Anika Scott 3A]

As far as I know, there is a difference. One major distinction to recognize is that a vapor occurs when there is a phase change, whereas gases do not need to undergo a phase change.

[Sophie Vikram 1L]

Vapors are the product of vaporization, a phase change from liquid to gas. Gases are just existing in that gaseous state given the conditions provided.

[QUEP 2F]

Hi!

I believe the difference between the two is that gas is a state of matter, while vapor is not. Additionally, vapors have undergone a phase change, whereas gases have not. The two can be used interchangeably, but we use vapor for the sake of terminology when talking about phase changes.

[Guadalupe_3B]

A vapor is a mixture of two or more different phases at room temperature whereas a gas usually contains a single thermodynamic state at room temperature.

[305723807]

vapor isnt a state of matter