The term that describes the process of changing liquid into vapor is evaporation. Evaporation occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to transition into the gaseous state. This process can happen at any temperature, but it occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures. Factors such as surface area, temperature, and air movement can influence the rate of evaporation. Evaporation plays a crucial role in the water cycle, contributing to weather patterns and climate. For example, water from lakes and oceans evaporates into the atmosphere, forming clouds and eventually precipitation.