Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Evaporation is a physical process in which a liquid turns into a gas or vapor at a temperature below its boiling point. It is a surface phenomenon where molecules with higher kinetic energy escape from the surface of the liquid. The rate of this process is influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, surface area, humidity, and wind speed.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct. Evaporation is generally considered a slow and gradual process compared to boiling. While boiling is a rapid, bulk phenomenon occurring at a specific temperature, evaporation happens spontaneously and slowly at the liquid's surface as individual molecules gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect. The rate of evaporation is directly proportional to temperature. Sunlight provides thermal energy, which increases the kinetic energy of water molecules, allowing them to escape faster. In the shade, the temperature is lower, leading to a significantly slower rate of evaporation compared to direct sunlight.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Heating water on a burner provides external heat energy, raising the temperature of the water. As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the water molecules increases, causing them to overcome intermolecular forces more rapidly. Consequently, the rate of evaporation increases.
Key Takeaway
Factors Affecting Evaporation: The rate of evaporation increases with an increase in temperature, surface area, and wind speed, but decreases with an increase in humidity.