Which process describes water turning into vapour when heated by the sun?

Which process describes water turning into vapour when heated by the sun?

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

Answer: (A)

Evaporation is the process of liquid water turning into water vapour when heat is added, such as from the sun. The sun delivers energy to water at the surface, increasing the movement of water molecules until some escape as gas, even before the water reaches boiling. This movement of moisture from land and sea into the air is a key part of the water cycle. Transpiration is water loss from plants through stomata, which is related to evaporation but occurs specifically from plant surfaces. Condensation is the opposite change—water vapour turning back into liquid. Precipitation is water released from the atmosphere as rain, snow, or hail.

Evaporation is the process of liquid water turning into water vapour when heat is added, such as from the sun. The sun delivers energy to water at the surface, increasing the movement of water molecules until some escape as gas, even before the water reaches boiling. This movement of moisture from land and sea into the air is a key part of the water cycle.

Transpiration is water loss from plants through stomata, which is related to evaporation but occurs specifically from plant surfaces. Condensation is the opposite change—water vapour turning back into liquid. Precipitation is water released from the atmosphere as rain, snow, or hail.