With reference to the process of evaporation in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Evaporation of water can take place even in the shade. 2. Water vapour formed during evaporation carries dissolved salts with it into the atmosphere. 3. Warm air can provide the necessary heat for evaporation to occur in shaded areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Evaporation is the physical process by which water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapour). This phase transition requires energy, specifically the latent heat of vaporization, to break the bonds holding water molecules together. This energy can be derived from various sources, including direct solar radiation and ambient thermal energy. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Evaporation occurs continuously at temperatures below the boiling point. It does not strictly require direct sunlight. In shaded areas, water absorbs heat energy from the surrounding air and the surface on which it rests, allowing water molecules to gain the kinetic energy necessary to escape into the atmosphere. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Evaporation acts as a natural distillation process. When water evaporates, only pure water molecules transform into vapour. Dissolved substances, such as salts and minerals, do not evaporate; they remain behind as a residue. This is why water vapour in the atmosphere is fresh, even when it originates from saline oceans. - Statement 3 is Correct: Air possesses thermal energy. In the absence of direct sunlight (shade), warm air acts as the heat source. The heat flows from the warmer air to the cooler water, providing the necessary energy for evaporation to proceed. Key Takeaway: Evaporation is driven by heat energy from any source (sunlight or warm air) and results in the separation of pure water from dissolved impurities like salts.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

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With reference to the process of evaporation in the water cycle, consider the following statements:

Evaporation of water can take place even in the shade.
Water vapour formed during evaporation carries dissolved salts with it into the atmosphere.
Warm air can provide the necessary heat for evaporation to occur in shaded areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Evaporation is the physical process by which water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapour). This phase transition requires energy, specifically the latent heat of vaporization, to break the bonds holding water molecules together. This energy can be derived from various sources, including direct solar radiation and ambient thermal energy.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Evaporation occurs continuously at temperatures below the boiling point. It does not strictly require direct sunlight. In shaded areas, water absorbs heat energy from the surrounding air and the surface on which it rests, allowing water molecules to gain the kinetic energy necessary to escape into the atmosphere.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Evaporation acts as a natural distillation process. When water evaporates, only pure water molecules transform into vapour. Dissolved substances, such as salts and minerals, do not evaporate; they remain behind as a residue. This is why water vapour in the atmosphere is fresh, even when it originates from saline oceans.
Statement 3 is Correct: Air possesses thermal energy. In the absence of direct sunlight (shade), warm air acts as the heat source. The heat flows from the warmer air to the cooler water, providing the necessary energy for evaporation to proceed.

Key Takeaway: Evaporation is driven by heat energy from any source (sunlight or warm air) and results in the separation of pure water from dissolved impurities like salts.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

Which process explains the drying of a wet surface even in the absence of direct sunlight?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the loss of water by plants: 1. Plants release water into the air through the process of condensation. 2. Plants release a significant amount of water into the air. 3. Transpiration plays a role in adding water vapour to the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the sources of water vapour in the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Water vapour is added to the air exclusively by the evaporation of water from oceans and lakes. 2. Evaporation from water bodies is a major source of water vapour in the air. 3. Transpiration by plants does not contribute to the water vapour in the air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the rate of evaporation: 1. Evaporation is generally a slow process. 2. Evaporation occurs at the same rate in sunlight and in the shade. 3. Heating water on a burner increases the rate of evaporation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Which of the following processes are responsible for transferring water from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere? 1. Condensation 2. Transpiration 3. Evaporation 4. Precipitation Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Evaporation occurs continuously at temperatures below the boiling point. It does not strictly require direct sunlight. In shaded areas, water absorbs heat energy from the surrounding air and the surface on which it rests, allowing water molecules to gain the kinetic energy necessary to escape into the atmosphere.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Evaporation acts as a natural distillation process. When water evaporates, only pure water molecules transform into vapour. Dissolved substances, such as salts and minerals, do not evaporate; they remain behind as a residue. This is why water vapour in the atmosphere is fresh, even when it originates from saline oceans.
Statement 3 is Correct: Air possesses thermal energy. In the absence of direct sunlight (shade), warm air acts as the heat source. The heat flows from the warmer air to the cooler water, providing the necessary energy for evaporation to proceed.

Key Takeaway: Evaporation is driven by heat energy from any source (sunlight or warm air) and results in the separation of pure water from dissolved impurities like salts.