Evaporation - GCSE Biology Definition

Evaporation is the process where a liquid, like water, changes into a gas or vapour. This happens when the liquid is heated or when it's exposed to air, causing the particles on the surface to gain enough energy to break free and become a gas. Evaporation is a crucial part of the water cycle, which includes other processes like condensation and precipitation. For example, it plays a significant role when the sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, or oceans, turning it into water vapour and allowing it to rise into the atmosphere. Understanding evaporation helps us learn how clouds form and why it rains.