Liquefaction Definition in Science

What Is Liquefaction?

Water
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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on January 13, 2020

Liquefaction is the process of converting a substance from its solid or gas phase into its liquid phase. Liquefaction occurs naturally and artificially. Sometimes liquification is considered to be the same as liquefaction. However, some authors consider liquification to be a mis-spelling of liquefaction.

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Examples

Gases are liquefied by condensation or cooling. Solids are liquefied by heating. Coal liquefaction yields liquid fuels. In the kitchen, a blender may be used to liquefy solids, such as fruits and vegetables.

Source

  • Speight, James G. (2012). The Chemistry and Technology of Coal (3rd ed.).
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Liquefaction Definition in Science." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-liquefaction-606334. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). Liquefaction Definition in Science. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-liquefaction-606334 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Liquefaction Definition in Science." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-liquefaction-606334 (accessed April 19, 2024).