The common term for the process of converting liquids into gases is evaporation. Evaporation occurs when molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to break free into the gas phase. This process is influenced by factors such as temperature, surface area, and atmospheric pressure. Evaporation is crucial for the water cycle, allowing water to move from oceans, lakes, and rivers into the atmosphere. It also plays a significant role in cooling processes, such as sweating in humans, where moisture evaporates from the skin, helping to regulate body temperature.