What occurs when a liquid evaporates?

When a liquid evaporates, it undergoes a phase transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state. During this process, the liquid molecules require energy to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold them together. This energy is known as latent heat, specifically latent heat of vaporization.

As the liquid absorbs this latent heat from its surroundings, it increases the energy of the molecules, enabling them to escape into the vapor phase. This absorption of heat is essential for the evaporation process as it allows the molecules with enough kinetic energy to break free from the liquid's surface. This is why the correct answer is that the liquid gains latent heat during evaporation.

Understanding latent heat is crucial in refrigeration and air conditioning, as it plays a significant role in cooling processes. When a refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the environment, which is then transferred to another medium or expelled in a compressor, crucial for maintaining desired temperature levels.