What is the process called when a liquid becomes a gas?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Evaporation
• C. Deposition
• D. Condensation

Answer: (B)

Liquid turning into a gas is evaporation. In evaporation, molecules at the surface gain enough energy to overcome the liquid’s intermolecular forces and escape into the air. This can happen at any temperature, not just at the boiling point, and it typically occurs more slowly since it only happens at the surface. Boiling, by contrast, involves vaporization throughout the liquid once a specific temperature is reached, with bubble formation inside. Sublimation is solid to gas, deposition is gas to solid, and condensation is gas to liquid. Everyday examples include a puddle drying or sweat evaporating from the skin. Evaporation is endothermic, often cooling the remaining liquid.