Which statement best explains the relationship between evaporation and temperature?

• A. As temperature increases, the rate of evaporation increases because more molecules have enough energy to escape the liquid phase.
• B. Evaporation occurs at the same rate regardless of temperature.
• C. Evaporation only occurs when the temperature reaches the boiling point.
• D. As temperature increases, the rate of evaporation decreases because molecules move closer together.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that evaporation is the process where molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to enter the gas phase.
2. Recognize that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance.
3. Know that as temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the molecules increases, meaning more molecules have sufficient energy to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the vapor phase.
4. Conclude that the rate of evaporation increases with temperature because a greater number of molecules can escape the liquid surface.
5. Note that evaporation can occur at temperatures below the boiling point, and it does not require the liquid to reach boiling temperature.