What is the phase change called when a liquid turns into a gas?

The phase change when a liquid turns into a gas is known as evaporation. This process occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing them to transition into the gaseous state. Evaporation is essential in various natural processes, such as the water cycle, where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers evaporates into the atmosphere and later condenses to form clouds.

In contrast, condensation refers to the process where gas turns back into a liquid. Solidification is the phase change from a liquid to a solid, typically occurring when temperatures drop, enabling molecules to arrange into a solid structure. Filtration is a physical process used to separate solids from liquids or gases, and it is not a phase change. Understanding these terms and concepts is crucial in studying the behavior of different states of matter and their transitions in various environmental and scientific contexts.