What is the Difference Between Gas and Vapor?

The main difference between gas and vapor lies in their thermodynamic and phase properties. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Mixture of Phases: Vapor is a mixture of two or more different phases at room temperature, typically liquid and gaseous phases. In contrast, a gas usually contains a single thermodynamic state at room temperature.
2. Temperature: Vapors typically have a lower temperature than gases. Vapors exist when a substance is in the gaseous state at a temperature below its critical temperature, while gases are substances that naturally exist in the gaseous state at room temperature.
3. State of Matter: Vapor is not considered a state of matter, while gases are states of matter.
4. Origin: Gases are substances that naturally exist in the gaseous state, while vapors are the gaseous form of substances that are generally in solid or liquid state at room temperature.

In summary, a vapor is a substance in the gaseous state at a temperature below its critical temperature, often consisting of a mixture of liquid and gaseous phases, while a gas is a substance that naturally exists in the gaseous state at room temperature.

Comparative Table: Gas vs Vapor

The main difference between gas and vapor lies in the state of matter and the temperature at which they exist. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between gas and vapor:

In summary, vapor refers to the gaseous state of a substance below its critical temperature, while gas refers to the state of matter that exists above the critical temperature.