What is the change of a substance from a liquid to a gas called?

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

Answer: (A)

Evaporation is the change of a liquid into a gas. It happens when particles at the surface gain enough energy to break free from the liquid and spread into the air as a gas. This can occur at temperatures below the liquid’s boiling point and only at the surface, not throughout the liquid. It’s driven by heat and is helped by a larger surface area, higher temperature, good air flow removing vapor, and lower humidity. The process takes in energy from the surroundings, so the liquid cools as it evaporates. For reference, condensation is gas turning into liquid, sublimation is solid turning into gas, and freezing is liquid turning into solid.