College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

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

1. Condensation

2. Evaporation

3. Infiltration

4. Filtration

The correct answer is: Evaporation

The term for the process when liquid converts to vapor is evaporation. This process occurs when molecules in the liquid gain enough energy, typically from heat, to overcome intermolecular forces and transition into the gas phase. Evaporation can happen at any temperature, as long as some molecules at the liquid's surface have enough kinetic energy to escape into the air. In contrast, condensation refers to the process where gas transforms back into a liquid, often when the vapor cools down. Infiltration typically refers to the movement of water into the soil or groundwater, while filtration is a method that separates solids from liquids or gases using a porous material. These definitions highlight why evaporation is distinct as the process of liquid turning into vapor, making it the correct answer to the question.