Classical condensation theory

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004323",
  "term": "Classical condensation theory",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A theory in which cloud droplets form by condensation only once the air is supersaturated, with relative humidity above 100 percent over a flat water surface. Pure water vapor would need several times saturation to nucleate droplets spontaneously, so in the atmosphere condensation nuclei lower the required supersaturation to a fraction of a percent. Droplet growth by vapor diffusion then slows as radius increases, so the radius grows roughly with the square root of time.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/classical-condensation-theory/"
}