Which statement best describes what happens to water molecules immediately after evaporation?

• A. Water molecules remain at the surface as liquid but with higher energy.
• B. Water molecules condense and return instantly to the liquid phase.
• C. Water molecules enter the gas phase and disperse into the surrounding air.
• D. Water molecules freeze and become solid ice.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of evaporation: Evaporation is the phase change where molecules transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase.
2. Recognize that during evaporation, water molecules at the surface gain enough kinetic energy to overcome intermolecular forces holding them in the liquid.
3. Once these molecules have enough energy, they escape the liquid surface and enter the gas phase as vapor.
4. After entering the gas phase, the water molecules disperse into the surrounding air, spreading out due to their increased kinetic energy and random motion.
5. Therefore, immediately after evaporation, water molecules are no longer in the liquid phase but exist as gas molecules dispersed in the air.