Standard Science Primary 5 Cycles

Why does 'mist' or 'steam' appear above a cup of hot tea?

A The hot tea is evaporating into water vapor.
B The air around the tea is boiling.
C Water vapor from the tea is condensing into tiny water droplets.
D The hot tea is reacting with the oxygen in the air.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: Hot tea evaporates into invisible water vapor. Step 2: As the warm vapor rises, it meets the cooler surrounding air. Step 3: The vapor loses heat and condenses into tiny liquid water droplets, which we see as mist.

Correct answer: Water vapor from the tea is condensing into tiny water droplets.

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