The process by which a liquid changes to a gas is called evaporation. This transformation occurs when the particles in a liquid gain enough energy, often due to heat, to overcome the forces holding them together, thus transitioning into the gaseous state. Evaporation can happen at any temperature, as long as the liquid is exposed to air. Factors such as temperature, surface area, and air movement can affect the speed of evaporation. This process is essential in various natural and artificial phenomena, including water cycles, cooling mechanisms, and in industrial applications.