Question

which statement about the evaporation of a liquid is correct?
a. the most energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases.
b. the most energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases.
c. the least energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases.
d. the least energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid increases.

Explanation:

Evaporation is a surface - level process. The most energetic particles have enough kinetic energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them in the liquid and escape from the surface. When these high - energy particles leave, the average kinetic energy of the remaining particles in the liquid decreases. Since temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, the temperature of the liquid decreases.

Answer:

B. The most energetic particles escape from the surface and the temperature of the liquid decreases.