What term is used to describe the process of water changing from a liquid to a vapor?

The process of water changing from a liquid to a vapor is known as evaporation. This phenomenon occurs when molecules in the liquid gain enough energy to transition into the gaseous state. It is a key aspect of the water cycle and plays a crucial role in regulating water temperature and atmospheric moisture.

During evaporation, water is absorbed from various surfaces, including bodies of water, soil, and vegetation, and contributes to humidity levels in the atmosphere. This process can occur at any temperature, not just at boiling point, as long as the molecules have sufficient energy to escape the liquid's surface.

In contrast, condensation refers to the process where vapor turns back into liquid, ebullition describes the boiling of a liquid with the formation of bubbles, and precipitation involves the falling of water droplets from the atmosphere to the ground. Each of these terms relates to distinct phases of water in the water cycle, which is essential for understanding hydrological processes.