The formation of snow, frost, and ice involves different processes and conditions

Snow: Snow forms in the atmosphere when water vapor turns into ice crystals through a process called deposition. These ice crystals stick together to form snowflakes, which fall to the ground. Snow forms within clouds and requires cold temperatures and moisture-laden clouds.

Frost: Frost forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. Water vapor in the air turns directly into ice crystals on cold surfaces through deposition. Frost typically forms on clear, calm nights when surfaces cool rapidly.

Ice: Ice forms when liquid water freezes. This happens when the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F), causing water molecules to slow down and arrange themselves into a solid, crystalline structure. Ice can form on surfaces like ponds, roads, and windows.

In summary, snow forms in the sky and falls to the ground, frost forms directly on surfaces from water vapor, and ice forms from liquid water freezing on surfaces.