Abstract
Experimental results of condensation of water vapor by homogeneous nucleation are shown. A supersonic nozzle is used for expanding moist air. Condensation sets in at high supersaturation and is initiated by homogeneous nucleation. By standard gasdynamic measurements, in conjunction with a solution of the equations of motion, the thermodynamic state in the condensation zone and the bulk properties of the condensate can be determined. We find near 210°K finely dispersed small ice clusters. Direct measurements of the number of clusters using a Helium-Neon laser light scattering system are performed. A textbook situation of Rayleigh light scattering prevails. By two different methods, a comparison of experimental results may be made with the theory of homogeneous nucleation. In addition, cluster growth is discussed since it enters one of the comparisons. Within certain margins of error on properties of the critical nuclei, in particular, their surface free energy, the results agree well with the classical theory of Volmer et al .
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