What is the term for the process when liquid converts to vapor?

The term for the process when liquid converts to vapor is evaporation. This process occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to transition into the gaseous phase. It is a key part of the water cycle and can happen at any temperature, although it occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures. During evaporation, the liquid's surface molecules escape into the air, which is why this phenomenon often occurs in open bodies of water, ponds, or lakes. Understanding this concept is essential in disciplines such as meteorology, environmental science, and physics, where the behavior of substances in different states of matter is crucial.