What happens when liquid becomes a gas?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the process and implications of a liquid transitioning into a gas, which is known as evaporation or boiling depending on the circumstances. This involves understanding the energy exchanges, temperature changes, and physical properties involved in this phase change.
Answer
The particles absorb heat energy, vibrate faster, and move further apart.
When a liquid becomes a gas, the particles absorb heat energy, begin vibrating faster, and the distance between them increases, reducing intermolecular forces and allowing them to move further apart.
Answer for screen readers
When a liquid becomes a gas, the particles absorb heat energy, begin vibrating faster, and the distance between them increases, reducing intermolecular forces and allowing them to move further apart.
More Information
This process is known as vaporization or evaporation, depending on the conditions. Vaporization that occurs at the surface is called evaporation, while throughout the liquid it's called boiling.
Tips
Avoid confusing vaporization with sublimation, which is the transition from a solid directly to a gas.
