Which of the following best describes evaporation?

Evaporation is best described as a change from liquid to gas. This process occurs when molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to break free from the intermolecular forces that hold them together, transforming them into a gaseous state. It can occur at various temperatures, not just at boiling point, and can happen even at lower temperatures as long as the molecules are energized sufficiently.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of evaporation. While some processes may involve changes at different temperatures or states, none describe the specific transition of a liquid becoming a gas. Understanding evaporation is key in various scientific contexts, including meteorology and the water cycle, where it plays a crucial role in transferring water from earth's surface to the atmosphere.