S2.4.4 For the adult

Evaporation and drying

Where does the water go when a wet cloth dries?

What this chapter teaches

When a wet thing dries, its water goes into the air as a gas called water vapour. It does not vanish. Evaporation happens at any temperature, and it is faster when it is warm, windy or spread out. Boiling is different. The white cloud over a kettle is tiny drops of water.

Three questions to ask

There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.

  1. Where does the water go when a wet cloth dries?
  2. Which would dry faster, a wet cloth in a heap or spread out, and why?
  3. How is evaporation different from boiling?

After the chapter, the learner can

  • Explain that water evaporates into the air as a gas
  • Test which place dries a wet cloth fastest

What they copy into their notebook

Water evaporates into the air as a gas called water vapour. It does not vanish. It happens at any temperature. It is faster when warm, windy or spread out. Boiling is different. Steam cannot be seen.

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