What is the term for the process in which liquid water turns into water vapor?

The process in which liquid water turns into water vapor is known as evaporation. This occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to escape the liquid's surface and enter the gaseous state. Evaporation typically happens at temperatures below the boiling point and can occur at any temperature, as long as some molecules have enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them in the liquid.

In various contexts, evaporation is crucial in the water cycle, playing a significant role in how water transitions from bodies of water, like lakes and oceans, into the atmosphere. This process allows for the continuous movement of water, contributing to weather patterns and the distribution of moisture in the environment.