Science glossary film: Evaporation

The vaporization of a liquid that takes place at its surface, as molecules with more energy change from a liquid to gas. Unlike boiling, evaporation takes place over a wide range of temperatures, and only involves molecules at the surface of the liquid. Evaporation is an essential part of the water cycle: solar energy drives evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, the soil, and other sources. This water vapor will eventually condense to form clouds.

Unlike boiling, evaporation takes place over a wide range of temperatures, and only involves molecules at the surface of the liquid. Evaporation is an essential part of the water cycle: solar energy drives evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, the soil, and other sources. This water vapor will eventually condense to form clouds.