What change describes the process of liquid turning into a gas?

The process of liquid turning into a gas is known as evaporation. This occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to overcome the forces that hold them together and enter the gaseous state. Evaporation typically happens at the surface of the liquid and can occur at various temperatures; it does not require the liquid to reach its boiling point.

During evaporation, individual molecules escape from the surface of the liquid and become vapor. This process is crucial for various natural phenomena, including the water cycle, where water evaporates from lakes, rivers, and oceans, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation.

In contrast, condensation refers to the transition from gas to liquid, freezing is the change from liquid to solid, and melting is the transformation from solid to liquid. Understanding these processes helps clarify the distinctions between states of matter and their transitions.