Difference Between Evaporation and Boiling - Definition and FAQs

Difference Between Evaporation and Boiling - Definition and FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:48 PM IST

Evaporation is a natural process through which a substance changes its state from liquid to vapour. It is a continuous process as only its rate changes with different climatic conditions. Evaporation is a surface phenomenon. In evaporation vapour is being formed from the liquid.

Difference Between Evaporation and Boiling

Evaporation is a natural process that occurs with the help of heat energy provided by sunlight and results in the liquid to convert to gaseous form during the rise in pressure or temperature and liquid is heated up in boiling by an external medium i.e. we need to give proper energy externally for this process and because of the constant heating of the liquid, it is vaporized the liquid.

As evaporation is a surface phenomenon, evaporation takes place on liquid’s surface. When being heated up generally through sunlight whereas boiling usually occurs within the whole body of the liquid or water that gets heated up. We can’t observe the Bubbling effect in evaporation but we can observe the Bubbling effect in the boiling process. In general, evaporation is a slow process as it depends on heat transferred due to sunlight and is more carried out when compared to boiling whereas The process of boiling is usually much faster and the process happens quite rapidly as well because we will provide external energy in this process.

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Evaporation kid Friendly Definition

In our surroundings, there are many bodies of water like lakes, oceans, rivers, ponds, etc. If we provide heat to these bodies then what will happen! Simply we can say that water will get hotter or warmer I.e. there will be change in temperature and if the temperature increasing rapidly then a till coming when its state will going to be changed and at that point, we can observe that water is changing to vapour and moving upwards. That’s it changing of state of water from one form to another in the presence of heat or sunlight is called evaporation.

Or when liquid will turn into gas or vapour then it is known as evaporation. A common An example of evaporation includes water from soil that gets converted into vapour through the continuous heating effect of sunlight. Evaporation is a slow process and this process can occur without interference it’s boiling I.e. No need to attain boiling point for evaporation it can also occur below its boiling point

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Types of Evaporation

We can easily observe examples of evaporation in our surrounding

Like when we dry clothes under the sunlight,

When we do ironing of clothes,

Ice cubes are melting due to evaporation,

In the formation of common salts, evaporation plays a very important role,

Evaporation of nail paint remover I.e. thinner

Evaporation is responsible for many drying activities like drying of hairs, drying of water bodies like oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.

In our body evaporation is the one who makes us feel cool due by converting sweat into vapour.

In comparison to boiling, we can easily observe that boing is a fast process. In this process, we heat a substance to attain its boiling point, at its boiling point the substance range its state from liquid to vapour generally. In boiling, there is a major role of boiling point as substance generally liquid must need temperature more that it’s the boiling point for this process. One more important difference between these two Is that evaporation is a surface phenomenon I.e. it will occur on the surface of a substance whereas boiling can occur through the entire mass I.e. large mass of the substance.

Also, students can refer,

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the slow process of evaporation or boiling?

Evaporation is a slow process in comparison with boiling because there is a limited supply of heat energy in evaporation and the boiling process, there is an excess or more supply of heat energy. Evaporation is a natural process whereas boiling is not a natural process. Evaporation is a continuous process but boiling is not continuous.

2. Evaporation vs boiling/ what is the difference between evaporation and boiling?

distinguish between boiling and evaporation

Evaporation:-

Boiling:-

Evaporation is a natural process that occurs with the help of heat energy provided by sunlight and results in the liquid to convert to gaseous form during the rise in pressure or temperature.

Boiling is a process that occurs within the whole body of the liquid or water that gets heated up by an external medium I.e. We need to give proper hey energy externally for this process and the liquid is then because of the heating of liquid.

Evaporation takes place on liquid’s surface as evaporation is a surface phenomenon when  being heated up generally through sunlight.

Boiling usually occurs on the whole mass of the liquid that gets heated up.

distinguish between boiling and evaporation

Evaporation:-

Boiling:-

Evaporation is a natural process that occurs with the help of heat energy provided by sunlight and results in the liquid to convert to gaseous form during the rise in pressure or temperature.

Boiling is a process that occurs within the whole body of the liquid or water that gets heated up by an external medium I.e. We need to give proper hey energy externally for this process and the liquid is then because of the heating of liquid.

Evaporation takes place on liquid’s surface as evaporation is a surface phenomenon when  being heated up generally through sunlight.

Boiling usually occurs on the whole mass of the liquid that gets heated up.

We can’t observe the Bubbling effect in evaporation.

We can observe the Bubbling effect during the process of boiling.

The process of evaporation is usually slower as it depends on heat transferred due to sunlight and is more carried out when compared to boiling.

The process of boiling is usually much faster and the process happens quite rapidly as well because we will provide external energy in this process.


In this way, we can differentiate between evaporation and boiling.

3. Compare and contrast evaporation and boiling.

Evaporation is a natural process whereas boiling is a human-made process.

Evaporation will be done without a specific heating temperature. While boiling must need a specific temperature that is known as the boiling temperature of that substance is needed for this process.

In vaporisation, bubbling will not be observed but that in boiling bubbling will be observed.

An example of evaporation is oceans I.e. from oceans water continuously changes to vapour with the help of getting sunlight.

Another example is cloth drying in summer is mainly due to the evaporation process.

The evaporation process is always active, it may be in low sunlight conditions or at night. Only its rate will be affected as in presence of more sunlight more heat energy will be used by a substance to change its form and this is the main reason why evaporation is more carried out concerning boiling. 

4. Differentiate between boiling and evaporation.

Evaporation is a natural and continuous process and it can happen below its ( substance we use to evaporate ) boiling point. In this process, we will not observe bubbles because here energy is transferred in a limited quantity but a case of boiling bubbling will be observed because in this process more than sufficient energy is given to the substance. Boiling is quicker than evaporation due to energy supply.

We can easily observe that boiling is somewhat the same as evaporation but due to heat energy differences differ.

Boiling process

Boiling is not a natural process as we have to supply energy for this process. Boiling only happens when we supply the proper amount of heat energy and the substance occupies its boiling temperature. The boiling process is not continuous as when we stop providing energy this process will stop suddenly.

5. How does evaporation differ from boiling?

From a destructive point of view, the boiling process is more destructive than the evaporation process. Evaporation is a surface phenomenon as water or any liquid present in its surface changes its state and the water content or liquid left inside the surface will be unaffected.

6. What is the fundamental difference between evaporation and boiling?
Evaporation occurs at the surface of a liquid at any temperature, while boiling occurs throughout the liquid at a specific temperature (the boiling point). Evaporation is a gradual process, whereas boiling is rapid and involves the formation of bubbles.
7. How does the rate of evaporation compare to the rate of boiling?
The rate of boiling is generally much faster than the rate of evaporation. Boiling occurs throughout the liquid and produces vapor rapidly, while evaporation only occurs at the surface and is a slower process.
8. How does the energy requirement differ between evaporation and boiling?
Both processes require energy, but boiling typically requires more energy input. Evaporation uses the kinetic energy of the most energetic surface molecules, while boiling requires enough energy to overcome atmospheric pressure and form bubbles throughout the liquid.
9. What role does atmospheric pressure play in boiling?
Atmospheric pressure directly affects the boiling point of a liquid. Higher atmospheric pressure increases the boiling point, while lower pressure decreases it. This is why water boils at 100°C at sea level but at a lower temperature on a mountain.
10. Can boiling occur without heating?
Yes, boiling can occur without heating by reducing the pressure. At lower pressures, the boiling point of a liquid decreases. This principle is used in vacuum distillation and explains why water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes.
11. Can a liquid evaporate at temperatures below its boiling point?
Yes, liquids can evaporate at any temperature above absolute zero. The rate of evaporation increases with temperature, but it doesn't require reaching the boiling point. This is why wet clothes dry even in cool weather.
12. Why does evaporation cause cooling?
Evaporation causes cooling because it requires energy. When molecules with higher kinetic energy escape from the liquid surface, they take that energy with them, leaving the remaining liquid with a lower average kinetic energy and thus a lower temperature.
13. Why do some liquids evaporate faster than others?
The rate of evaporation depends on factors like intermolecular forces, surface area, temperature, and air movement. Liquids with weaker intermolecular forces (like ethanol) evaporate faster than those with stronger forces (like water).
14. What is meant by "latent heat of vaporization"?
Latent heat of vaporization is the energy required to change a substance from liquid to gas at constant temperature. It represents the energy needed to overcome intermolecular forces in the liquid state without changing the temperature.
15. How does the concept of dynamic equilibrium apply to evaporation?
In a closed system, evaporation leads to dynamic equilibrium where the rate of molecules leaving the liquid equals the rate of molecules returning to it. This results in a constant vapor pressure and no net change in the amount of liquid or vapor.
16. How does the molar mass of a substance affect its boiling point?
Generally, substances with higher molar masses have higher boiling points. This is because larger molecules typically have stronger intermolecular forces, requiring more energy to separate them and enter the gas phase.
17. How does evaporation contribute to the water cycle?
Evaporation is a crucial part of the water cycle. It allows water to move from bodies of water into the atmosphere as water vapor. This vapor later condenses to form clouds and precipitates back to Earth, completing the cycle.
18. What is the difference between equilibrium vapor pressure and partial pressure?
Equilibrium vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid at a given temperature. Partial pressure is the pressure a gas would exert if it alone occupied the volume of the mixture at the same temperature.
19. How does the presence of a magnetic field affect the boiling of paramagnetic liquids?
A strong magnetic field can slightly alter the boiling point of paramagnetic liquids. It can affect the alignment and movement of paramagnetic molecules, potentially influencing intermolecular forces and the energy required for vaporization.
20. How does the concept of fugacity relate to real gases in the context of boiling?
Fugacity is a measure of the tendency of a substance to escape from a phase, often used instead of pressure for real gases. In the context of boiling, fugacity can provide a more accurate description of phase equilibrium for non-ideal systems at high pressures.
21. How does the presence of nanoparticles in a liquid affect its boiling behavior?
Nanoparticles can significantly alter boiling behavior. They can act as nucleation sites, promoting bubble formation and potentially enhancing heat transfer. However, they can also change the liquid's thermal properties and surface characteristics, leading to complex effects on boiling dynamics.
22. What is the relationship between vapor pressure and boiling?
Boiling occurs when the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure. As temperature increases, vapor pressure increases. When it matches atmospheric pressure, bubbles can form and rise through the liquid, resulting in boiling.
23. How does adding a solute affect the boiling point of a liquid?
Adding a solute generally increases the boiling point of a liquid. This is known as boiling point elevation. The solute particles interfere with the formation of vapor, requiring more energy (higher temperature) for the liquid to boil.
24. What is the difference between evaporation and vaporization?
Evaporation is a type of vaporization that occurs only at the surface of a liquid. Vaporization is a broader term that includes both evaporation and boiling, referring to any change from liquid to gas phase.
25. How does surface area affect evaporation rate?
Increasing surface area increases the evaporation rate. A larger surface area allows more molecules to be exposed to the air, increasing the chance of molecules escaping the liquid surface. This is why spreading out a liquid makes it evaporate faster.
26. What is flash boiling and how does it differ from normal boiling?
Flash boiling occurs when a liquid is rapidly depressurized, causing it to boil almost instantaneously. Unlike normal boiling, which occurs at a constant temperature, flash boiling can happen when a liquid is superheated above its atmospheric boiling point and then exposed to lower pressure.
27. How does the kinetic molecular theory explain evaporation?
According to kinetic molecular theory, particles in a liquid have varying kinetic energies. Evaporation occurs when surface molecules gain enough kinetic energy to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the gas phase. This explains why evaporation can occur at any temperature.
28. What is the role of intermolecular forces in determining boiling point?
Stronger intermolecular forces result in higher boiling points. More energy is required to overcome these forces and allow molecules to enter the gas phase. This is why water, with its strong hydrogen bonds, has a higher boiling point than many other liquids of similar molecular weight.
29. How does evaporative cooling work in sweat glands?
Sweat glands utilize evaporative cooling by secreting water onto the skin surface. As this water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the skin and surrounding air, cooling the body. The process is more effective in dry environments where evaporation occurs more readily.
30. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated vapor?
Saturated vapor is in equilibrium with its liquid at a given temperature, meaning the rate of condensation equals the rate of evaporation. Unsaturated vapor has a lower pressure than the saturated vapor pressure and can accept more vapor before reaching equilibrium.
31. What is nucleate boiling and how does it differ from film boiling?
Nucleate boiling occurs when bubbles form at nucleation sites on a heated surface and detach when they grow large enough. Film boiling happens when a vapor film forms between the heated surface and the liquid, insulating the liquid from the heat source. Nucleate boiling is more efficient for heat transfer.
32. How does the presence of dissolved gases affect the boiling process?
Dissolved gases can lower the boiling point of a liquid by providing nucleation sites for bubble formation. This is why a pot of water that has been left standing may boil more easily than freshly drawn water, as it has had time to absorb gases from the air.
33. What is the connection between vapor pressure and evaporation rate?
Vapor pressure and evaporation rate are directly related. As the vapor pressure increases, the evaporation rate decreases because more molecules are returning to the liquid phase. When vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure, net evaporation stops and boiling begins.
34. How does the heat of vaporization change with temperature?
The heat of vaporization generally decreases as temperature increases. This is because at higher temperatures, molecules already have more kinetic energy, so less additional energy is needed to overcome intermolecular forces and change to the gas phase.
35. What is supercritical fluid and how does it relate to boiling?
A supercritical fluid exists above a substance's critical temperature and pressure, where the distinction between liquid and gas phases disappears. In this state, boiling doesn't occur because there's no clear transition between liquid and gas phases.
36. What is the difference between evaporation and sublimation?
Evaporation is the transition from liquid to gas, while sublimation is the direct transition from solid to gas without passing through the liquid phase. Both are types of vaporization, but sublimation occurs with solids like dry ice (solid CO2).
37. How does the presence of a non-volatile solute affect evaporation?
A non-volatile solute decreases the evaporation rate of a liquid. It does this by lowering the vapor pressure of the solution and by occupying space at the surface, reducing the area available for evaporation.
38. What is the role of enthalpy in the boiling process?
Enthalpy plays a crucial role in boiling. The enthalpy of vaporization is the energy required to transform a given quantity of liquid into vapor at constant pressure. This energy is used to overcome intermolecular forces and expand the volume against atmospheric pressure.
39. How does evaporation differ in polar and non-polar liquids?
Polar liquids generally have stronger intermolecular forces (like hydrogen bonding in water) and thus evaporate more slowly than non-polar liquids. Non-polar liquids with weaker van der Waals forces between molecules tend to evaporate more readily.
40. What is the relationship between boiling point and vapor pressure?
The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure. As temperature increases, vapor pressure increases. The boiling point is reached when this vapor pressure matches the external pressure.
41. How does the concept of free energy apply to evaporation and boiling?
In thermodynamic terms, evaporation and boiling occur when the Gibbs free energy of the gas phase becomes lower than that of the liquid phase. This transition point depends on temperature and pressure, explaining why boiling points change with pressure.
42. What is the effect of altitude on the boiling point of water?
As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, which lowers the boiling point of water. For example, water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level, but at about 93°C (199°F) at an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).
43. How does evaporation affect the temperature of the remaining liquid?
Evaporation cools the remaining liquid. When the most energetic molecules escape as vapor, the average kinetic energy of the remaining molecules decreases, resulting in a lower temperature. This principle is used in evaporative cooling systems.
44. How does the addition of surfactants affect evaporation?
Surfactants generally reduce the surface tension of a liquid, which can increase the rate of evaporation. However, if the surfactant forms a film on the surface, it can also act as a barrier to evaporation, potentially slowing the process.
45. What is the role of bubble formation in the boiling process?
Bubble formation is essential to boiling. Bubbles form at nucleation sites when the vapor pressure inside the bubble equals the sum of atmospheric pressure and the pressure due to the liquid above. As they grow and rise, they facilitate the rapid transition from liquid to gas.
46. How does evaporation differ from distillation?
Evaporation is a single-step process where a liquid changes to a gas. Distillation involves both evaporation and condensation, typically to separate components of a mixture based on their different boiling points.
47. What is the relationship between intermolecular forces and the energy required for vaporization?
Stronger intermolecular forces require more energy for vaporization. This is because more energy is needed to overcome these forces and separate the molecules. Consequently, substances with stronger intermolecular forces have higher boiling points and heats of vaporization.
48. How does the presence of an electric field affect evaporation?
An electric field can influence evaporation, especially for polar molecules. It can align polar molecules at the surface, potentially altering the energy required for them to escape into the vapor phase. This effect is utilized in some advanced separation techniques.
49. What is the difference between azeotropic and zeotropic mixtures in terms of boiling?
An azeotropic mixture boils at a constant temperature without change in composition, behaving like a pure substance. A zeotropic mixture has a boiling range where the composition of the vapor differs from that of the liquid, allowing for separation through distillation.
50. How does the Clausius-Clapeyron equation relate to evaporation and boiling?
The Clausius-Clapeyron equation describes the relationship between vapor pressure and temperature. It can be used to predict how the boiling point of a liquid changes with pressure or to calculate the heat of vaporization from vapor pressure data at different temperatures.
51. What is the role of entropy in the evaporation process?
Evaporation increases entropy as molecules transition from a more ordered liquid state to a less ordered gas state. This increase in entropy is a driving force for evaporation, contributing to the spontaneity of the process even at temperatures below the boiling point.
52. What is the difference between normal boiling point and standard boiling point?
The normal boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid boils under 1 atmosphere of pressure. The standard boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid boils under 1 bar of pressure (slightly less than 1 atm). For most purposes, these are nearly identical.
53. What is the effect of surface tension on the boiling process?
Surface tension affects boiling by influencing bubble formation. Higher surface tension makes it more difficult for bubbles to form and grow, potentially increasing the required superheating for boiling to occur. This is why adding surfactants can sometimes facilitate boiling.
54. What is the connection between evaporation and chemical potential?
Evaporation occurs when the chemical potential of the liquid phase exceeds that of the vapor phase. At equilibrium, the chemical potentials of the liquid and vapor phases are equal. This concept helps explain why evaporation occurs below the boiling point and stops at equilibrium.
55. How does quantum tunneling relate to evaporation at very low temperatures?
At extremely low temperatures, quantum tunneling can contribute to evaporation. Even when classical thermal energy is insufficient, quantum mechanics allows for a small probability of particles tunneling through the potential barrier at the liquid surface, enabling evaporation in quantum fluids like liquid helium.

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