What process describes the change of a substance from a liquid to a gas?

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas is known as evaporation. This process occurs when molecules in the liquid gain enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together, allowing them to transition into the gas phase. Evaporation can happen at various temperatures and occurs at the surface of the liquid, where molecules escape into the air.

This is a key process in the water cycle, contributing to the formation of clouds and overall atmospheric moisture. It’s important to distinguish this from other processes: condensation involves the transition from gas to liquid, infiltration refers to the process of water entering the ground, and precipitation involves water falling back to the Earth in forms such as rain or snow. Understanding these different processes is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in science, particularly in meteorology and environmental science.