Which statement best describes the difference between evaporation and condensation?

• A. Evaporation is the process where a liquid changes to a gas, while condensation is the process where a gas changes to a liquid.
• B. Evaporation involves energy being released, while condensation involves energy being absorbed.
• C. Evaporation is a chemical change, while condensation is a physical change.
• D. Evaporation occurs at low temperatures, while condensation occurs at high temperatures.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of evaporation and condensation. Evaporation is the process where molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to enter the gas phase, changing from liquid to gas.
2. Step 2: Recognize that condensation is the reverse process, where gas molecules lose energy and change back into the liquid phase.
3. Step 3: Note that both evaporation and condensation are physical changes because they involve changes in the state of matter without altering the chemical composition of the substance.
4. Step 4: Consider the energy changes involved: evaporation requires energy absorption (endothermic) to overcome intermolecular forces, while condensation releases energy (exothermic) as molecules come together.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the temperature conditions: evaporation can occur at various temperatures but is more common at higher temperatures, while condensation typically occurs when gas cools down, often at lower temperatures.