Evaporation Process

Evaporation

• The process by which water is transformed from its liquid state to water vapor
• Occurs when the temperature and humidity in the air are suitable for water molecules to escape into the atmosphere
• Factors that influence evaporation:
  • Temperature: higher temperatures increase evaporation rate
  • Humidity: lower humidity allows for more evaporation
  • Wind: increased wind speed enhances evaporation
  • Surface area: larger surface areas exposed to air increase evaporation
• Types of evaporation:
  • Surface evaporation: occurs on the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers
  • Transpiration: occurs through plants, releasing water vapor into the air

Condensation

• The process by which water vapor in the air is transformed back into its liquid state
• Occurs when the air reaches its dew point, which is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor
• Factors that influence condensation:
  • Temperature: lower temperatures increase condensation rate
  • Humidity: higher humidity allows for more condensation
  • Surface coolness: cool surfaces facilitate condensation
• Types of condensation:
  • Dew: forms on surfaces when the air is cooled overnight
  • Frost: forms when the air is cooled below freezing point
  • Clouds: form when water vapor condenses onto tiny particles in the air
  • Precipitation: occurs when condensed water vapor becomes too heavy to remain suspended in the air, resulting in rain, snow, or hail

Evaporation

• Water is transformed from liquid to water vapor when temperature and humidity are suitable for water molecules to escape into the atmosphere.
• Temperature increases evaporation rate, with higher temperatures resulting in faster evaporation.
• Lower humidity allows for more evaporation, as there is more space for water molecules to escape into the air.
• Increased wind speed enhances evaporation, as it helps to distribute water molecules more quickly.
• Larger surface areas exposed to air increase evaporation, as more water molecules are available to escape.

Types of Evaporation

• Surface evaporation occurs on the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers, transforming water into water vapor.
• Transpiration occurs through plants, releasing water vapor into the air through processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.

Condensation

• Water vapor in the air is transformed back into its liquid state when the air reaches its dew point, which is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor.
• Lower temperatures increase condensation rate, as the air is cooled and becomes more saturated with water vapor.
• Higher humidity allows for more condensation, as there is more water vapor available in the air.
• Cool surfaces facilitate condensation, as they provide a location for water vapor to condense onto.

Types of Condensation

• Dew forms on surfaces when the air is cooled overnight, resulting in the condensation of water vapor.
• Frost forms when the air is cooled below freezing point, resulting in the condensation of water vapor into ice crystals.
• Clouds form when water vapor condenses onto tiny particles in the air, such as dust or salt.
• Precipitation occurs when condensed water vapor becomes too heavy to remain suspended in the air, resulting in rain, snow, or hail.

Learn about the evaporation process, its factors, and how temperature, humidity, wind, and surface area affect it.