key term - Vaporization

Definition

Vaporization is the process in which a substance changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, usually by heating. It occurs when the kinetic energy of particles increases enough to overcome intermolecular forces holding them together.

Related terms

Evaporation:

Evaporation is a type of vaporization that occurs at the surface of a liquid without boiling. It happens when only the particles at the surface gain enough energy to escape into the gas phase.

Condensation:

Condensation is the opposite process of vaporization, where a gas transforms into a liquid due to cooling or pressure changes. Think about how droplets form on a cold glass of water on a hot day.

Boiling Point:

The boiling point is the temperature at which vaporization occurs throughout an entire substance, not just at its surface. It's when bubbles form within the liquid and rise to release gas molecules into the air.