Practicing Success
What will the effect on rate of evaporation if surface area increases? |
Rate of evaporation decreases Rate of evaporation increases Rate of evaporation remains same Effect can't be predicted |
Rate of evaporation increases |
The correct answer is option 1. Rate of evaporation increases. The rate of evaporation will increase if the surface area increases. Here's why: Evaporation occurs when molecules at the surface of a liquid escape and enter the gaseous phase. With a larger surface area, there are more molecules at the liquid's surface that have the opportunity to gain enough energy and transition into a gas. Imagine a puddle compared to a wide, shallow dish holding the same amount of water. The dish will have a larger surface area, allowing for more water molecules to evaporate at a faster rate. |