Evaporation - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Evaporation is the process where a liquid turns into a gas. This happens when the liquid's surface molecules gain enough energy to break free and become a gas. Evaporation occurs at temperatures below the liquid's boiling point. It typically happens on the surface of the liquid, where molecules can escape more easily. This process cools the remaining liquid because it removes heat. An everyday example of evaporation is water disappearing from a puddle on a sunny day. In GCSE Chemistry, understanding evaporation helps explain how liquids can change state and how the water cycle works.