What is the term for changing from a liquid to a gas?

The term for changing from a liquid to a gas is vaporization, which encompasses the process of evaporation. This occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to transition into the gaseous state. It can happen at any temperature, although it is more rapid at higher temperatures.

Evaporation, which is a type of vaporization, specifically refers to the process that occurs at the surface of a liquid as it changes into gas, often at temperatures below the boiling point. Understanding this process is essential because it plays a critical role in various natural phenomena, such as the water cycle, where water from bodies of water evaporates into the atmosphere and eventually condenses into clouds. The distinction between vaporization and evaporation is important in scientific contexts, and recognizing these terms helps in understanding broader topics related to temperature, pressure, and phase changes in matter.