What is the process called when heat is absorbed to change liquid into gas?

The process of changing a liquid into a gas through the absorption of heat is known as evaporation. During evaporation, molecules in the liquid gain sufficient energy from heat to overcome the forces holding them together, allowing them to transition into the gaseous phase. This process occurs at any temperature where the liquid is present and is particularly noticeable when a liquid is exposed to air, with the rate of evaporation influenced by factors like temperature, surface area, and air circulation.

Condensation, in contrast, is the process where a gas loses heat to become a liquid. Convection refers to the transfer of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) due to the movement of the fluid itself. Radiation is the process of heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, which does not require a medium. Understanding these concepts is crucial in respiratory care, especially when considering how gases exchange and behave within the human body and external environments.