* Energy is added: The water molecules need extra energy to break free from their liquid state. This energy can come from heat, sunlight, or even wind.
* Molecules move faster: As the water molecules absorb energy, they start moving faster and faster.
* Bonds break: The increased movement causes the weak bonds holding the water molecules together in the liquid state to break.
* Water vapor: The individual water molecules now escape into the air as water vapor, which is an invisible gas.
Key things to remember:
* Boiling point: Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level. At higher altitudes, the boiling point is lower.
* Evaporation can happen at any temperature: While boiling requires a specific temperature, evaporation can occur at any temperature, even below freezing.
* Evaporation is a cooling process: Since energy is removed from the water during evaporation, the remaining liquid water cools down. This is why we feel cool when we sweat!
Let me know if you want to learn more about the different ways water changes state!
