Here's why:

* High-energy particles: These can be caused by things like shockwaves, intense vibrations, or even rapid changes in pressure.

* Surface liquid: The high-energy particles create low-pressure zones within the liquid.

* Escape: Due to the low pressure, the liquid molecules overcome their cohesive forces and vaporize, forming small gas bubbles.

In summary: Cavitation is the formation of vapor-filled cavities in a liquid, caused by the rapid decrease in pressure.