The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
Evaporation is a physical process within the environment where a liquid turns into a gas (vapour). It is a surface phenomenon that occurs at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. This process is a crucial part of the water cycle, facilitating the movement of water from the lithosphere and hydrosphere to the atmosphere.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The drying of wet roads is primarily caused by evaporation. During this process, liquid water on the road surface absorbs heat energy from the surroundings (air, ground, or sun) and converts into water vapour, thereby disappearing from the surface.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Evaporation does not require direct sunlight. It is a continuous process that occurs at any time of the day or night, provided the air is not saturated with moisture. While direct sunlight accelerates the process by providing more heat energy, evaporation also occurs in the shade or during the night using heat from the atmosphere or the ground.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Water vapour is water in a gaseous state. Once formed, it rises and mixes with the surrounding air (atmosphere). It does not settle as dust. Dust consists of solid particulate matter, whereas water vapour is a gas that may eventually condense to form clouds or dew, but it does not transform into dust.
Key Takeaway
Evaporation is the conversion of liquid water into water vapour driven by heat energy. It is a continuous environmental process influenced by factors such as temperature, surface area, humidity, and wind speed, and does not strictly depend on the presence of direct sunlight.