Evaporation is the process where a liquid changes from its liquid state to a gaseous state. This transition occurs when molecules at the surface of the liquid gain enough energy to overcome the forces of attraction holding them together.
The energy required for this process usually comes from heat. For example, when water is heated, the molecules move faster and, at a certain temperature, will begin to escape into the air as vapor. Evaporation can happen at any temperature, not just at boiling points, which is why puddles on the ground can disappear even when the weather is cool.
Overall, evaporation is a key component of the water cycle and plays a critical role in regulating temperature and humidity in our environment.