Condensation nucleus

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004574",
  "term": "Condensation nucleus",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A particle, usually a soluble aerosol such as sea salt or sulfate, on which water vapor condenses into a liquid droplet at a supersaturation of roughly 0.1 to 1 percent. Only those large or soluble enough to activate at a cloud's supersaturation act as cloud condensation nuclei. Condensation nuclei differ from ice nuclei, which start the ice phase, and without them pure air would need a supersaturation of several hundred percent for droplets to form.",
  "see_also": [
    "cloud condensation nuclei"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/condensation-nucleus/"
}