Factors Affecting Evaporation
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 2.2.10
Factors Affecting Evaporation
There are a number of factors that affect the rate of evaporation.
Temperature
- Increasing the temperature of a liquid increases the kinetic energy of the liquid molecules (particles) inside.
- More molecules will have enough energy to escape from the liquid and the rate of evaporation will increase.
Surface area
- If the surface area is larger, there are more opportunities for liquid molecules to reach the surface and escape from the liquid.
Wind
- A gust of wind across the surface of the liquid can blow away particles from just above the liquid’s surface.
- These particles are less likely to cool and rejoin the liquid.
- Therefore, the overall (net) rate of evaporation rises when it is windy.
Test yourself on Factors Affecting Evaporation
Why does a greater surface area increase evaporation?