What is condensation vs vaporization?

Condensation and vaporization are exact thermodynamic opposites, representing the two complementary directions of phase changes between liquids and gases. Vaporization is the process where a substance transforms from a liquid state into a gas or vapor state, which occurs either through gradual evaporation at the surface below the boiling point or rapid boiling throughout the entire liquid volume when sufficient thermal energy is supplied. This process requires a net input of heat energy and generally has a cooling effect on the remaining substance. In contrast, condensation is the process where a substance changes from a gas or vapor state into a liquid state, happening when vapor molecules lose thermal energy to a cooler surface or environment, slow down, and bond together. Condensation releases latent heat into the surroundings, causing warming or heat transfer. While vaporization moves molecules from liquid to gas and increases atmospheric vapor pressure, condensation removes vapor from the air by converting it back into liquid droplets like dew, fog, or rain.