How does condensation cloud nuclei work?

The condensation nuclei provide this surface. The water vapor molecules touch the nuclei and condense into liquid form, forming your cloud droplet. As more and more cloud droplets form, the cloud grows larger and larger. Eventually the droplets get too heavy and are pulled downward as precipitation.

What are cloud condensation nuclei made of?

The particles may be composed of dust or clay, soot or black carbon from grassland or forest fires, sea salt from ocean wave spray, soot from factory smokestacks or internal combustion engines, sulfate from volcanic activity, phytoplankton or the oxidation of sulfur dioxide and secondary organic matter formed by the …

What is meant by condensation nuclei?

condensation nucleus, tiny suspended particle, either solid or liquid, upon which water vapour condensation begins in the atmosphere. Nuclei that have diameters of several microns and are composed of a hygroscopic, or moisture-attracting, substance (e.g., sea salt) are called giant condensation nuclei.

What are the types of condensation nuclei?

There are two broad categories of condensation nuclei: hygroscopic and hydrophobic. Hygroscopic nuclei are “water seeking” nuclei. Water vapor condenses on hygroscopic surfaces readily even when the relative humidity is considerably lower than 100 percent. Salt is an example of a hygroscopic particle.

What is an example of a cloud condensation nuclei?

Examples of cloud condensation nuclei include sodium chloride (NaCl) and ammonium sulfate ([NH4]2 SO2), whereas the clay mineral kaolinite is an example of an ice nuclei. In addition, naturally occurring bacteria found in decayed leaf litter can serve as ice nuclei at temperatures of less than about…

What is the relationship between condensation and condensation nuclei?

When air is cooled below its dew point , the water vapor it contains tends to condense as droplets of water or tiny ice crystals. Condensation may not occur, however, in the absence of tiny particles on which the water or ice can form. These particles are known as condensation nuclei.

What makes a good cloud condensation nuclei?

Good cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) must be small particles, so that they do not settle too fast, and must be hydrophilic, which means that water can stick. They can be either soluble (i.e., dissolvable in water), or insoluble, but most are soluble. Most particles originate from emissions from Earth’s surface.

What are condensation nuclei and ice nuclei?

The liquid and solid particles that readily promote freezing and ice crystal growth are typically in the 0.05–1 μm diameter size range; they are referred to as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), respectively.

Which of the following can act as a cloud condensation nuclei?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOPdx0zKvoM