Evaporation - GCSE Physics Definition

Evaporation is the process by which a liquid transforms into a gas at a temperature below its boiling point. It occurs when molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to break free from the forces holding them together and escape into the air as gas. This process is influenced by factors such as temperature, surface area, and air movement. In GCSE Physics, understanding evaporation is important as it explains phenomena such as the cooling effect on the skin when sweat evaporates and plays a crucial role in the water cycle.