Vapour vs. Mist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical point, while mist is a visible collection of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, usually formed near the ground.
Difference Between Vapour and Mist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vapour generally refers to the gaseous state of a substance that is usually a liquid or solid at room temperature, like water turning into steam. Mist, on the other hand, consists of small water droplets that remain suspended in the air, creating a sort of cloud at the earth's surface.
In terms of formation, vapour is produced when a substance evaporates or boils, transforming from a liquid or solid state into gas. Whereas mist forms through the condensation of water vapor in the air when it cools to its dew point without needing to reach boiling.
Visibility is another distinguishing factor; vapour itself is often invisible, becoming visible only when it condenses into tiny droplets or forms as steam. Mist, however, is always visible as a fine spray, often seen in natural settings like rivers and mountains in cooler conditions.Environmental conditions greatly influence the presence of both phenomena.
Vapour can occur in a variety of settings depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. Mist typically occurs in specific conditions, such as after rainfall, in early mornings, or in areas with differences in temperature.
Comparison Chart
State
Gas phase of a substance below its critical temperature
Collection of tiny liquid droplets
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Visibility
Typically invisible until condensation
Always visible as fine, diffuse spray
Formation
Evaporation or boiling
Condensation near the dew point
Typical Location
Can occur anywhere depending on conditions
Common near water bodies, cool areas
Density
Lower concentration of particles
Denser concentration of water droplets
Compare with Definitions
Vapour
Gas phase occurring below the critical temperature of a substance.
Mercury vapour is used in street lamps.
Mist
Tiny water droplets suspended in the air, typically visible.
The morning mist covered the meadows.
Vapour
Invisible gasses emitted from volatile substances.
The vapour from the solvent can be toxic.
Mist
Common in geographical areas with high humidity and cool temperatures.
Mist is frequent near rivers and lakes in the mornings.
Vapour
A gaseous form of substances which are liquid or solid under normal conditions.
Water becomes vapour during boiling.
Mist
Often seen in natural and scenic atmospheres.
Mist rising from a waterfall creates a mystical effect.
Vapour
Often used in industrial and scientific applications.
Vapour deposition is a method for creating thin films on substrates.
Mist
Mist is a phenomenon caused by small droplets of water suspended in air. Physically, it is an example of a dispersion.
Vapour
Can be produced by evaporation or sublimation.
Dry ice sublimates to carbon dioxide vapour.
Mist
A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface that limits visibility (to a lesser extent than fog; strictly, with visibility remaining above 1 km)
The peaks were shrouded in mist
A mist rose out of the river
Vapour
Variant of vapor.
Mist
Cover or become covered with mist
The windows of the car were misted up with condensation
The glass was beginning to mist up
Vapour
A visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
Mist
A mass of fine droplets of water in the atmosphere near or in contact with the earth.
Vapour
The process of becoming a vapor
Mist
Water vapor condensed on and clouding the appearance of a surface.
Mist
Fine drops of a liquid, such as water, perfume, or medication, sprayed into the air.
Mist
A suspension of fine drops of a liquid in a gas.
Mist
Something that dims or conceals.
Mist
A haze before the eyes that blurs the vision.
Mist
Something that produces or gives the impression of dimness or obscurity
The mists of the past.
Mist
A drink consisting of a liquor served over cracked ice.
Mist
To be or become obscured or blurred by or as if by mist.
Mist
To rain in a fine shower.
Mist
To conceal or veil with or as if with mist.
Mist
To moisturize (plants or dry air, for example) with a fine spray of water.
Mist
Water or other liquid finely suspended in air. fog, haze.}}
It was difficult to see through the morning mist.
Mist
(countable) A layer of fine droplets or particles.
There was an oily mist on the lens.
Mist
(figurative) Anything that dims, darkens, or hinders vision.
Mist
To form mist.
It's misting this morning.
Mist
To spray fine droplets on, particularly of water.
I mist my tropical plants every morning.
Mist
To cover with a mist.
The lens was misted.
Mist
(of the eyes) To be covered by tears.
My eyes misted when I remembered what had happened.
Mist
To disperse into a mist, accompanying operation of equipment at high speeds.
Mist
Visible watery vapor suspended in the atmosphere, at or near the surface of the earth; fog.
Mist
Coarse, watery vapor, floating or falling in visible particles, approaching the form of rain; as, Scotch mist.
Mist
Hence, anything which dims or darkens, and obscures or intercepts vision.
His passion cast a mist before his sense.
Mist
To cloud; to cover with mist; to dim.
Mist
To rain in very fine drops; as, it mists.
Mist
A thin fog with condensation near the ground
Mist
Become covered with mist;
The windshield misted over
Mist
Make less visible or unclear;
The stars are obscured by the clouds
Mist
Spray finely or cover with mist
Mist
Forms when moist air cools to its dew point near the ground.
Mist often forms in valleys and hollows.
Mist
Reduces visibility, similar to very light fog.
Driving through mist requires careful attention.
Common Curiosities
How do temperature and pressure affect the formation of vapour?
Vapour forms when a substance reaches its boiling point, which can vary with pressure and temperature.
What is the primary difference between vapour and mist?
Vapour is a gaseous phase below its critical temperature, whereas mist is a suspension of tiny liquid droplets.
What is the visibility range in mist?
Visibility in mist can range from nearly clear to less than a few meters, depending on its density.
Can vapour be seen?
Vapour is typically invisible; it is only seen when it condenses or in the form of steam.
Is mist only formed from water?
Yes, mist is primarily composed of water droplets.
What's the distinguishing factor between "vapour" and "mist"?
Vapour's visible heat, mist's invisible moisture.
What causes mist to form?
Mist forms when the air cools to its dew point and water vapor condenses into tiny droplets.
What sets "vapour" apart from "mist"?
Vapour's for saunas, mist's for forest scenes.
Can mist occur indoors?
Mist can occur indoors in controlled environments like steam rooms where there are cool temperatures and high humidity.
Does vapour have any specific uses?
Vapour is used in various applications including steam engines, humidifiers, and in scientific research.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
