Correct Answer: evaporation
among the processes listed — condensation, evaporation, precipitation, and distillation — the correct answer to the question of which process changes liquid water into water vapor is evaporation. evaporation is a fundamental physical process where liquid water transforms into a gaseous state, specifically water vapor, under normal atmospheric conditions without boiling. this process occurs when water molecules at the surface gain sufficient energy to overcome the forces of liquid cohesion and move into the air as gas.
in contrast, condensation is the exact opposite of evaporation. during condensation, water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid form, often manifesting as droplets on surfaces like the outside of a cold glass or window. this process is crucial in the formation of clouds and various types of precipitation.
speaking of precipitation, it involves water in any form — rain, snow, sleet, or hail — falling from clouds down to earth's surface. this process is part of the water cycle that redistributes water across earth's surface and atmosphere, playing a vital role in maintaining the planet's climate and water resources.
lastly, distillation is a technique used to purify or separate liquids through boiling and condensation. in the context of water, distillation can remove impurities or separate water from other liquid mixtures by boiling water into vapor and then condensing it back into liquid form, effectively leaving the impurities behind.
therefore, the process specifically responsible for transforming liquid water into water vapor is evaporation, making it the correct answer to the question.
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