What process turns liquid water into water vapor?

What process turns liquid water into water vapor?

• A. Condensation
• B. Evaporation
• C. Sublimation
• D. Precipitation

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how water changes state when energy is added. Turning liquid water into water vapor is evaporation, which happens when energy causes surface water molecules to gain enough motion to break free as gas. This can occur even below boiling, especially with warmth, a larger surface area, and airflow that carries away the vapor. Evaporation is a key part of the water cycle, forming water vapor that can rise into the atmosphere. Condensation would be gas turning into liquid, the opposite. Sublimation is solid turning directly into gas (ice to vapor), which isn’t the case here. Precipitation is when water falls as rain, snow, or hail, not a state change from liquid to vapor.

The idea being tested is how water changes state when energy is added. Turning liquid water into water vapor is evaporation, which happens when energy causes surface water molecules to gain enough motion to break free as gas. This can occur even below boiling, especially with warmth, a larger surface area, and airflow that carries away the vapor. Evaporation is a key part of the water cycle, forming water vapor that can rise into the atmosphere.

Condensation would be gas turning into liquid, the opposite. Sublimation is solid turning directly into gas (ice to vapor), which isn’t the case here. Precipitation is when water falls as rain, snow, or hail, not a state change from liquid to vapor.