What is the process of evaporation in the water cycle?

Evaporation is the process in the water cycle where water changes from a liquid to a gas. This occurs when heat from the sun warms bodies of water, causing the water molecules to gain energy and move faster. As they gain enough energy, they overcome the forces that hold them in the liquid state and transition into water vapor, which then enters the atmosphere. This transformation is essential because it contributes to the overall movement of water within the cycle, ultimately leading to processes such as condensation and precipitation. Understanding this process is crucial because it helps explain how water circulates through the environment, impacting weather and ecosystem dynamics.