When water vapor cools, it undergoes a process called condensation, where it changes from a gas to a liquid. As the water vapor molecules lose heat energy to the cooler surrounding air or surfaces, they slow down. This reduction in molecular motion allows the attractive forces between molecules to bring them closer together, forming tiny droplets of liquid water

. This process can occur on surfaces that are cooler than the air, such as the inside of a cold cup or the ground, leading to the formation of dew or condensation on objects

. In the atmosphere, condensation is responsible for the formation of clouds, fog, and precipitation. Water vapor condenses onto microscopic particles in the air, creating droplets that can collide and grow, eventually falling as rain or snow

. In summary, cooling water vapor results in condensation, transforming the vapor into liquid water droplets by releasing heat and decreasing the distance between molecules