Misconceptions of Condensation

Thirty three people were interviewed from age 7 to 78 and asked what is the process that creates wetness on the outside of a container when removed from a refrigerator and placed into the warm air. The results indicate that 22 people interviewed believe it is condensation (the correct answer!) but cannot explain why. To view the full chart, please click on the link below.

When asked to explain what condensation was, 11 people knew that the process involved a change in temperature, supplying a component of the correct answer.  Two people believed condensation was a result of ice melting. Additionally, five people believed that condensation comes from inside a glass rather than in the air. To view the full chart, please click on the link below.