FACTORS AFFECTING EVAPORATION

The rate of evaporation increases with –

An increase in the surface area:

We know that evaporation is a surface phenomenon. If the surface area is increased, the rate of evaporation increases. For example, while putting clothes for drying up we spread them out.

An increase in temperature:

With the increase of temperature, more number of particles get enough kinetic energy to go into the vapor state.

A decrease in humidity:

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. The air around us cannot hold more than a definite amount of water vapor at a given temperature. If the amount of water in the air is already high, the rate of evaporation decreases.

An increase in wind speed:

It is a common observation that clothes dry faster on a windy day. With the increase in wind speed, the particles of water vapor move away with the wind, decreasing the amount of water vapor in the surrounding.

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