What is the process by which liquid water is turned into water vapor?

The process by which liquid water is turned into water vapor is known as evaporation. This occurs when molecules in the liquid state gain enough energy, typically from heat, to overcome intermolecular forces and transition into the gaseous state. During evaporation, water molecules at the surface of the liquid absorb energy and escape into the air as vapor.

This process is an essential part of the water cycle, contributing to the formation of clouds and influencing weather patterns. The rate of evaporation can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area of the liquid.

Condensation is the opposite process, where water vapor turns back into liquid water. Precipitation refers to water falling from the atmosphere in various forms, such as rain or snow, and transpiration is the process of water movement through plants and its evaporation from aerial parts, primarily leaves. Understanding these processes helps clarify how water moves within different environmental contexts.