CONDENSATION TRAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A condensation trail, also known as a contrail, is a visible cloud-like trail or streak that forms behind an aircraft as it flies at high altitudes. It is primarily composed of water vapor and other trace particles, resulting from the condensation of water vapor present in the aircraft's exhaust gases.
When an aircraft flies at altitudes where the surrounding air is extremely cold, typically above 25,000 feet, the hot exhaust gases from its engines mix with the cold air, causing the water vapor in the exhaust to rapidly cool and freeze into ice crystals. These ice crystals form a cloud-like trail that remains visible for several minutes, gradually dissipating and dispersing due to the influence of atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Condensation trails vary in length, thickness, and persistence, depending on atmospheric conditions and the type of aircraft. They can range from short, thin streaks to long-lasting, persistent trails that spread and form cirrus-like clouds. Contrails are most commonly observed on clear days when the relative humidity at high altitudes is relatively high.
Although condensation trails are primarily composed of ice crystals, they may also contain other microscopic particles, such as soot, sulfur compounds, and nitrogen oxides, which are byproducts of aircraft engine combustion. These particles can contribute to the visual appearance of the trail and may have atmospheric implications, such as affecting cloud formation and climate.
Common Misspellings for CONDENSATION TRAIL
- xondensation trail
- vondensation trail
- fondensation trail
- dondensation trail
- cindensation trail
- ckndensation trail
- clndensation trail
- cpndensation trail
- c0ndensation trail
- c9ndensation trail
- cobdensation trail
- comdensation trail
- cojdensation trail
- cohdensation trail
- consensation trail
- conxensation trail
- concensation trail
- confensation trail
- conrensation trail
Etymology of CONDENSATION TRAIL
The term "condensation trail" is commonly abbreviated as "contrail" and refers to the long, thin, visible trails of condensed water vapor that are sometimes left behind by high-flying aircraft. The word "contrail" is a blend of two words: "condensation" and "trail".
1. Condensation: The word "condensation" comes from the Latin word "condensare", which means "to thicken" or "to make dense". It is derived from the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and the verb "densus" (meaning "dense" or "thick"). "Condensation" generally refers to the process by which a gas or vapor transitions into a liquid or solid state.
Similar spelling word for CONDENSATION TRAIL
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