Evaporation

Evaporation is how water turns into an invisible gas. It happens all the time, even at room temperature. The warmer it is, the faster water evaporates. This is a very important part of our weather.

How It Works

When water gets warm, its tiny bits move faster. Some of them move so fast they escape into the air. These bits become water vapor, which is a gas. You cannot see water vapor, but it is there. This is why a puddle dries up after a rainy day.

Evaporation Around Us

Evaporation is part of the water cycle. The sun heats up oceans, lakes, and rivers. Water then rises into the sky as vapor. Wet clothes on a clothesline dry the same way. Sweating helps your body cool off because sweat evaporates from your skin.

Fun Facts

• Wind makes water evaporate faster.
• The ocean loses billions of gallons of water each day to evaporation.
• Salt is often made by letting ocean water evaporate.

Did You Know?

Even an ice cube can slowly turn into gas without melting first, but regular evaporation only happens with liquids.