Understanding Water Evaporation Process

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of evaporation and how all molecules in a shallow dish of water can eventually escape despite not all of them having enough energy to do so. The discussion also touches on the role of temperature and how heat transfer from the environment can provide the necessary energy for evaporation to occur.
  • #1
aks_sky
55
0
The question:

If you fill a shallow dish with water at room temperature the water will, under normal conditions, evaporate completely. It is easy to believe that some of the more energetic molecules can escape from the water surface but how can all of them eventually escape? Many of them do not have the energy to do so.
.......................


SO, is this anything to do with the molecules being polar or non polar or can we say that the molecules get the energy by hitting each other and then that in turn helps them to evaporate...

Any suggestions?

thank you
 
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  • #2
As the more energetic molecules escape the temperature of the water will fall. Then what will happen if it's in an environment at 'room temperature'?
 
  • #3
Ohhh i get it... so when the temperature of the water goes below room temperature the heat gets transferred from the room to the water... and that's where they get the energy to evaporate... aah i never thought of that..

thanks for that.
 

What is water evaporation?

Water evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor or gas. This occurs when the water molecules absorb enough energy from the surrounding environment to break their bonds and escape into the air.

What factors affect the rate of water evaporation?

The rate of water evaporation is affected by several factors, including temperature, humidity, air pressure, surface area, and air movement. Higher temperatures, lower humidity, and higher air movement can increase the rate of evaporation, while lower temperatures, higher humidity, and still air can decrease it.

How does water evaporation contribute to the water cycle?

Water evaporation is a key part of the water cycle, which is the continuous movement and exchange of water on Earth. As water evaporates from bodies of water, it enters the atmosphere and eventually condenses to form clouds. These clouds then release precipitation, which replenishes bodies of water and continues the cycle.

What is the difference between evaporation and boiling?

Evaporation and boiling are both processes that convert liquid water into water vapor, but they differ in the amount of energy required. Evaporation occurs at the surface of a liquid when individual water molecules gain enough energy to escape. Boiling, on the other hand, occurs throughout the entire liquid when the temperature is raised to its boiling point.

Can water evaporate at any temperature?

Yes, water can evaporate at any temperature, but the rate at which it does so will vary. Generally, the higher the temperature, the faster water will evaporate. However, even at lower temperatures, some water molecules will have enough energy to escape and contribute to the evaporation process.

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