Gas vs. Vapor: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 7, 2023
Gas is a form of matter that fills any available space; vapor is the gaseous state of a substance that's normally liquid or solid at room temperature.
Key Differences
Gas is one of the four fundamental states of matter. It doesn't have a fixed shape or volume and will expand to fill any available space. On the other hand, vapor refers to the gaseous state of a substance that is primarily in solid or liquid form at room temperature.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
In terms of intermolecular forces, gases consist of molecules that are far apart and have weak intermolecular attractions. Vapor, however, arises from the evaporation of a liquid or sublimation of a solid, and can often be returned to its original state with ease.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
A gas can exist at room temperature and pressure, such as oxygen or nitrogen. Vapor, conversely, is often associated with the change of state process, like when water turns to steam.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Gases are usually considered in a broader scope, while vapor is more specific to substances transitioning between states. For instance, we breathe in oxygen gas, but we see water vapor in the air after a hot shower.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Lastly, while both gas and vapor can be invisible, vapor can often be seen when it condenses into small liquid droplets in the air, such as in the form of clouds or fog. Gas, by its inherent nature, does not undergo such visible condensation under typical conditions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
State of Matter
One of the four fundamental states.
Gaseous state of a substance typically liquid/solid at room temp.
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Oct 07, 2023
Origins
Can exist naturally at room temp and pressure.
Arises from evaporation of liquid or sublimation of solid.
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Oct 07, 2023
Visibility
Typically invisible.
Can become visible when it condenses (e.g., fog).
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Oct 07, 2023
Reversibility
Does not easily return to liquid or solid form.
Can be easily condensed back to its liquid or solid form.
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Oct 07, 2023
Intermolecular Forces
Molecules far apart with weak attractions.
Can have stronger attractions compared to gases due to its origin.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
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Gas and Vapor Definitions
Gas
A substance in a state where it expands freely to fill any space available.
Helium gas fills balloons, making them float.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Vapor
The gaseous form of substances that are normally in a liquid or solid state.
Water turns into vapor when boiled.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Gas
A fluid without a fixed shape that takes the shape of its container.
Neon gas illuminates signs in a distinct bright color.
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Oct 07, 2023
Vapor
Visible mist or cloud of water particles suspended in the air.
Hot water produces vapor in cold air.
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Oct 07, 2023
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Vapor
Something unsubstantial or transitory.
Dreams vanish like vapor upon waking.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Gas
Air-like fluid substance which can spread out indefinitely.
Nitrogen gas makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Vapor
A substance diffused or suspended in the air.
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room as vapor.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Gas
Any non-solid, non-liquid substance.
Oxygen gas is essential for human respiration.
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Oct 07, 2023
Vapor
Exhalations of bodily organs, often invisible and odorous.
The smell of menthol vapor is often used in cold remedies.
Huma Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Gas
The state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by relatively low density and viscosity, relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature, the ability to diffuse readily, and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 01, 2017
Vapor
The gaseous state of a substance that is liquid or solid at room temperature.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 01, 2017
Vapor
A faintly visible suspension of fine particles of matter in the air, as mist, fumes, or smoke.
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Jul 01, 2017
Gas
Any of various mixtures of flammable gases used for lighting, heating, or cooking.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 01, 2017
Vapor
A mixture of fine droplets of a substance and air, as the fuel mixture of an internal-combustion engine.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 01, 2017
FAQs
What is gas in terms of state of matter?
Gas is one of the four fundamental states of matter with no fixed shape or volume.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Do gases have fixed volumes?
No, gases do not have a fixed volume; they expand to fill their container.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Can vapor be seen?
Vapor can become visible when it condenses, like fog or steam.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Can vapors originate from solids?
Yes, when solids sublimate, they directly turn into vapor.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Can vapor be scented?
Yes, vapor can carry the scent of its origin, such as the aroma from cooked food.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Are the terms gas and vapor interchangeable?
While often used interchangeably, they have distinct definitions; all vapors are gases, but not all gases are vapors.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
What is vapor in relation to its usual state?
Vapor is the gaseous state of a substance typically found as a liquid or solid at room temperature.
Huma Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Do all gases condense into liquids?
No, not all gases easily condense into liquids under typical conditions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
What makes up the majority of our atmosphere?
The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen gas.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Is air a gas?
Yes, air is a mixture of gases primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Is every vapor a gas?
Yes, every vapor is in a gaseous state, but not every gas is a vapor.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Can gas be a fuel source?
Yes, certain gases like natural gas are used as fuel sources.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
What's the primary difference between gas and vapor?
Gas is a broad term for a state of matter, while vapor specifically refers to the gaseous state of substances usually solid or liquid at room temperature.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
What is the visible mist in cold weather?
It is water vapor condensing in the cold air.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Why do we see vapor after a hot shower?
The hot water increases the rate of evaporation, producing water vapor that can condense in the cooler air, making it visible.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Can all matter exist as gas?
With enough heat, most substances can be vaporized into a gaseous state.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
How is vapor pressure related to vapor?
Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid form.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Can vapors be harmful?
Yes, some vapors, like those from chemicals, can be harmful when inhaled.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Is dry ice a gas or vapor?
Dry ice sublimates, turning directly into carbon dioxide vapor.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
