Final answer:
The rate of evaporation increases with a larger surface area because more liquid molecules are exposed to the air, allowing for more frequent escape into vapor form, which is explained by examples of transpiration and sweat evaporation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaporation is the process where the liquid turns into vapor. In this context, surface area plays a significant role in determining the rate of evaporation. A larger surface area exposed to the atmosphere means more molecules of the liquid are in contact with the air, which allows for more opportunities for the molecules at the surface to escape and become vapor. This concept is seen in nature, notably in the way plants lose water through transpiration. As the water evaporates from the leaves' surfaces, particularly from the adaxial or upper surface which receives more sunlight, the escape of water vapor is faster. It is also observed with sweat on the human skin where on hot, dry days, evaporation cools the body more effectively.
Factors like temperature, humidity, and wind speed also impact evaporation rates. Temperature differences, especially when higher, result in increased kinetic energy of the molecules, thereby increasing the evaporation rate. However, with increased humidity, the concentration of water in the air is higher, which can reduce the rate of evaporation from a surface.