Evaporation

Definition

Evaporation is the process by which molecules transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state. It typically occurs at the surface of a liquid when molecules gain enough energy to break free from intermolecular forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evaporation is a crucial part of the water cycle, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation.
2. The rate of evaporation increases with higher temperatures, lower humidity, and greater surface area.
3. Evaporative cooling helps organisms regulate body temperature through processes like sweating and transpiration.
4. Hydrogen bonds in water must be broken for evaporation to occur, requiring an input of energy known as latent heat.
5. Evaporation can lead to concentration of solutes in the remaining liquid, affecting chemical reactions and interactions.

Review Questions

• How does temperature affect the rate of evaporation?
• Why is evaporation important for thermoregulation in living organisms?
• What role does latent heat play in the process of evaporation?

Related terms

Condensation: The process by which gas transforms into a liquid when it loses thermal energy.

Transpiration: The process by which plants lose water vapor through small openings called stomata.

Latent Heat: The amount of energy required to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature.