If the rate of evaporation is y, and the rate of condensation is x, then, a vapour is saturated when

Answer Details

To understand when a vapor is considered saturated, it is crucial to consider the rates of two significant processes: evaporation and condensation. **Evaporation** is the process where liquid molecules escape into the vapor phase, and its rate is denoted as **y**. On the other hand, **condensation** is the process where vapor molecules return to the liquid phase, with its rate denoted as **x**.

A vapor is said to be **saturated** when the rate of evaporation of the liquid is equal to the rate of condensation of the vapor. In simpler terms, the number of molecules leaving the liquid to become vapor is exactly equal to the number of molecules returning from the vapor to the liquid.

In mathematical terms, this condition can be described as **x = y**. Under this condition, the system reaches a dynamic equilibrium, and the vapor pressure of the system is at its maximum for the given temperature. At this point, the vapor cannot accommodate any more molecules, and thus, the vapor is in a saturated state.