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condenser

1 of 1noun
/kənˈdɛnsər/
Forms:condensers
1

an electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge

2

lens used to concentrate light on an object

3

a hollow coil that condenses by abstracting heat

4

a device that turns vapor into liquid by cooling it

A condenser is a laboratory device used to cool and condense vapors back into liquid form. It typically consists of a tube through which vapor passes, surrounded by a layer of cold water that cools the vapor as it moves through. The cooled vapor then turns back into liquid and can be collected in a separate container. Condensers are commonly used in distillation processes, where heat is applied to a liquid to separate its components, and in other experiments that involve heating and cooling substances. The cold water helps ensure the vapor does not escape.

  • The distillation setup included a condenser to collect liquid from the vapor.
  • She used a condenser to cool the steam and produce distilled water.
  • The air conditioner's condenser unit cooled the refrigerant gas, turning it into a liquid.
  • The laboratory setup featured a condenser to collect purified solvent from the distillation process.
  • The distiller attached a condenser to the pot still to separate alcohol vapor from the mash.