evaporate
Definition
Evaporation is the process by which a substance changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state. This process is driven by the kinetic energy of the molecules in the liquid. As the temperature of the liquid increases, the molecules gain more kinetic energy and are more likely to escape from the liquid's surface.
The rate of evaporation is affected by a number of factors, including the temperature of the liquid, the surface area of the liquid, and the humidity of the air. The higher the temperature of the liquid, the faster the molecules will evaporate. The greater the surface area of the liquid, the faster the molecules will evaporate. And the lower the humidity of the air, the faster the molecules will evaporate.
Evaporation is an important process in many natural phenomena. For example, it is responsible for the formation of clouds and rain. It is also responsible for the cooling of the Earth's surface.
How can the word be used?
To evaporate something is to cause it to change into a gas.
Different forms of the word
Noun: evaporation, vaporization.
Adjective: evaporative.
Verb: to evaporate, to vaporize.
Synonyms: boil away, sublimate, dissipate.
Etymology
The word "evaporate" comes from the Latin word evaporare, which means "to boil away." It was first used in English in the 14th century, and it is still used today to refer to the process by which a liquid changes into a gas.
Question
What substances evaporate?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the process of evaporation and its role in the water cycle. Describe the factors that influence the rate of evaporation, such as temperature, humidity, and surface area. Provide examples of everyday situations where evaporation occurs, such as drying clothes on a sunny day or the formation of dew on grass in the morning. Discuss the significance of evaporation in the environment, including its impact on weather patterns and the distribution of water resources.
Answer:
Evaporation is the process by which a liquid, such as water, changes into a vapour or gas state when exposed to heat. It plays a crucial role in the water cycle, where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers evaporates into the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, the water vapour condenses to form clouds and eventually precipitates back to the Earth's surface as rain or other forms of precipitation.
Several factors influence the rate of evaporation, including temperature, humidity, and the surface area of the liquid exposed. Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels enhance evaporation, while larger surface areas facilitate faster evaporation rates.
Evaporation is a common occurrence in our daily lives. When you dry your wet clothes on a sunny day, water evaporates from the fabric's surface. Similarly, dew forms on grass in the morning due to the cooling of the ground overnight, causing moisture in the air to condense.
In the environment, evaporation is critical for weather patterns and the distribution of water resources. It helps regulate temperatures and influences cloud formation, impacting regional weather conditions. Additionally, evaporation contributes to the replenishment of freshwater sources, essential for sustaining life and supporting ecosystems. Understanding the process of evaporation is fundamental in comprehending the water cycle and its vital role in maintaining environmental balance.