How does an e-cigarette produce vapor?

@sarina_herzog 

An e-cigarette, also known as a vape pen or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), produces vapor through a process called atomization. The main elements involved in this process are a battery, an atomizer, and e-liquid (also referred to as vape juice).

1. Battery: The e-cigarette is powered by a battery, usually rechargeable and often lithium-ion. The battery supplies the necessary electrical energy to heat up the atomizer.
2. Atomizer: The atomizer consists of a heating element or coil, a wick or cotton material, and a metal or ceramic housing. The heating element is typically made of a resistance wire such as Kanthal or nichrome.
3. E-Liquid: E-liquid is a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and often nicotine. It comes in various flavors and nicotine strengths. The e-liquid is stored in a tank or cartridge.

When a user activates the e-cigarette by pressing a button or inhaling, the following steps occur:

1. Power Activation: The battery supplies power to the atomizer when activated.
2. Heating the Coil: The battery sends an electrical current through the coil, which heats up as a result of its resistance. This high temperature causes the e-liquid-soaked wick to rapidly vaporize the liquid.
3. Vaporization: The e-liquid gets drawn into the coil through the wick via capillary action. Once it reaches the heated coil, the liquid turns into vapor due to the heat generated by the coil.
4. Inhalation: As the user inhales through the mouthpiece or drip tip of the e-cigarette, they draw in the vapor produced by the atomizer. This vapor contains the flavorings, and if present, nicotine, which is then absorbed into their lungs.

In summary, the battery powers the atomizer, which heats the coil. The e-liquid gets vaporized on the coil, and the user inhales the resulting vapor. This is how an e-cigarette produces vapor for users to inhale and simulate the sensation of smoking.

@sarina_herzog 

An e-cigarette, also known as a vape pen or vaporizer, works by heating a liquid solution (e-liquid or vape juice) to produce vapor. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how it typically happens:

1. E-liquid: E-liquids consist of a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and often nicotine. These liquids come in various flavors and nicotine strengths.
2. Atomizer: The e-cigarette contains a heating element called an atomizer or coil. It usually consists of a metal wire, typically made of Kanthal or similar materials, tightly wrapped around an absorbent material (usually cotton or silica).
3. Power Source: The e-cigarette has a power source, such as a battery, that supplies electricity to the atomizer.
4. Activation: When the user activates the device, the power source supplies electricity to the atomizer, causing the coil to heat up rapidly.
5. Wick Absorption: The absorbent material in the atomizer (wick) absorbs the e-liquid from the tank or cartridge.
6. Vaporization: As the coil heats up, it rapidly vaporizes the e-liquid absorbed by the wick.
7. Inhalation: When the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, air is drawn over the heated coil and vaporized e-liquid, creating aerosol-like vapor.
8. Flavor and Nicotine Delivery: When the user inhales the vapor, they experience the flavorings and nicotine (if present) in the e-liquid. The vapor is then exhaled by the user.

It's important to note that e-cigarettes do not produce actual smoke like traditional tobacco cigarettes, as there is no combustion involved. Instead, they produce a mist-like vapor that dissipates quickly.