What is the Difference Between Evaporation and Vaporization?

Evaporation and vaporization are both processes that involve the conversion of a substance from a liquid to a gas, but they differ in their mechanisms and conditions. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Temperature: Evaporation mostly occurs at temperatures below the boiling point, while vaporization can occur at any temperature, including boiling.
• Mechanism: Evaporation is a surface phenomenon, where molecules located at the surface of the liquid escape into the gaseous state. In contrast, vaporization can occur both at the surface and below the surface of the liquid, such as during boiling.
• Heat Source: During vaporization, a heat source may or may not be required, depending on the process. However, evaporation is a spontaneous process that does not require the use of a heat source.
• Extent: During vaporization, all of the water can turn into gas, while in the case of evaporation, only the top level of water turns into a gas.

Both processes are affected by temperature, with the rate of vaporization and evaporation increasing with an increase in temperature. Additionally, a decrease in pressure can lead to an increase in the rate of evaporation and vaporization, while an increase in pressure can lead to a decrease in the rate of evaporation and vaporization.

Comparative Table: Evaporation vs Vaporization

Here is a table comparing the differences between evaporation and vaporization:

In summary, vaporization is a phase transition where a substance changes its phase from liquid to gas, and includes both evaporation and boiling. Evaporation, on the other hand, is a specific type of vaporization that occurs at temperatures below the boiling point and involves only the surface molecules of the liquid.