Final answer:
Evaporation is a process in the water cycle where water changes from a liquid state to a vapor or gas state. It occurs when the sun's energy heats up the surface of water bodies, causing the water molecules to escape into the atmosphere as water vapor. This process contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation, completing the water cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaporation is a process in the water cycle where water changes from a liquid state to a vapor or gas state. It occurs when the sun's energy heats up the surface of water bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing the water molecules to gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as water vapor. Other factors that contribute to evaporation include temperature, humidity, wind speed, air pressure, and surface area of the water body.
Evaporation plays a crucial role in the water cycle. When water evaporates, it rises into the atmosphere and forms water vapor. As water vapor cools, it condenses to form clouds through a process called condensation. These clouds then lead to precipitation, such as rain or snow, which returns water to the Earth's surface. The water that evaporates from oceans, lakes, and other water bodies is continuously recycled through the water cycle.