Boiling vs. Evaporation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Boiling is the rapid vaporization of a liquid when it's heated to its boiling point, while evaporation occurs at temperatures below the boiling point from a liquid's surface.
Difference Between Boiling and Evaporation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Boiling and evaporation are both processes that involve the transition of a substance from a liquid to a gaseous state. However, the mechanisms and conditions under which these processes occur are distinctly different. Boiling is a phase transition that happens when a liquid turns into vapor due to the application of heat. When water is boiling, for instance, you'll notice vigorous bubbling as steam forms throughout the liquid.
Evaporation, on the other hand, is a surface phenomenon. It can occur at any temperature, not just the boiling point. During evaporation, only the molecules at the surface of the liquid turn into vapor. If you leave a glass of water out on a counter, it will gradually decrease in volume due to evaporation, even if the water never reaches its boiling point.
One key distinction between boiling and evaporation is the role of external energy. Boiling typically requires an external source of heat to bring the liquid to its boiling point. Without this external heat source, boiling will not occur. Evaporation, conversely, does not require this additional energy as it capitalizes on the existing kinetic energy of the liquid's molecules.
It's also worth noting the speed and uniformity of these processes. Boiling is generally a faster process, and it occurs uniformly throughout the liquid. Evaporation, in contrast, is typically a slower process that happens only at the surface. Thus, while both boiling and evaporation result in the transition from liquid to gas, their underlying mechanisms, conditions, and characteristics differ considerably.
Comparison Chart
Occurrence
Occurs at a specific temperature
Can occur at any temperature
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Process Uniformity
Happens throughout the liquid
Only happens at the liquid's surface
Energy Requirement
Typically requires external heat
No external heat necessary
Speed
Generally faster
Slower and gradual
Visual Indication
Vigorous bubbling
No visible signs except gradual decrease in liquid volume
Compare with Definitions
Boiling
A phase transition from liquid to gas.
The boiling process is crucial in distillation methods.
Evaporation
The transformation of liquid to gas at a surface.
Evaporation caused the puddle to disappear over time.
Boiling
The process where a liquid turns to vapor due to heat.
The water started boiling when it reached 100°C.
Evaporation
A phenomenon that can occur below boiling point.
Despite the cool weather, evaporation from the lake continued.
Boiling
Often accompanied by visible bubbles in the liquid.
The boiling kettle released steam as water turned to vapor.
Evaporation
Utilizes existing molecular kinetic energy.
The water's evaporation rate increased in the hot sun.
Boiling
Boiling is the rapid vaporization of a liquid, which occurs when a liquid is heated to its boiling point, the temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid is equal to the pressure exerted on the liquid by the surrounding atmosphere. At sea level the boiling point of water is 100 °C or 212 °F but at higher altitudes it drops to correspond with decreasing atmospheric pressures.
Evaporation
A slow and passive process.
The slow evaporation of the perfume left a lingering scent.
Boiling
Heated to or past the boiling point
A kettle of boiling water.
Evaporation
Results in cooling of the remaining liquid.
Evaporation from the skin helps cool the body down.
Boiling
Very angry or upset; seething.
Evaporation
Evaporation is a type of vaporization that occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase. The surrounding gas must not be saturated with the evaporating substance.
Boiling
Used as an intensive
Fainted because it was boiling hot.
Boiling mad over the mistake.
Evaporation
The process of turning from liquid into vapour
Snow cover prevents evaporation of water from the soil
Boiling
Present participle of boil
Evaporation
To convert or change into a vapor.
Boiling
The process of changing the state of a substance from liquid to gas by heating it to its boiling point.
Evaporation
To draw off in the form of vapor.
Boiling
(uncountable) An animation style with constantly changing wavy outlines, giving a shimmering or wobbling appearance.
Evaporation
To draw moisture from, as by heating, leaving only the dry solid portion.
Boiling
That boils or boil.
Boiling kettle
Boiling oil
Evaporation
To deposit (a metal) on a substrate by vacuum sublimation.
Boiling
Of a thing: extremely hot or active.
The radiator is boiling – I’m going to turn it down a bit.
Evaporation
To change into vapor.
Boiling
Of a person: feeling uncomfortably hot.
I’m boiling – can’t we open a window?
Evaporation
To pass off in or as vapor.
Boiling
Of the weather: very hot.
It’s boiling out today!
Evaporation
To produce vapor.
Boiling
(of adjectives associated with heat) Extremely
He was boiling mad.
Evaporation
To disappear; vanish
Our fears at last evaporated.
Boiling
Heated to the point of bubbling; heaving with bubbles; in tumultuous agitation, as boiling liquid; surging; seething; swelling with heat, ardor, or passion.
Evaporation
The process of a liquid converting to the gaseous state.
Boiling
The act of ebullition or of tumultuous agitation.
Evaporation
The process in which all or a portion of liquid (in a container) is turned into vapour, in order to increase the concentration of solid matter in the mixture.
Boiling
Exposure to the action of a hot liquid.
Evaporation
(archaic) That which is evaporated; vapor.
Boiling
The application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas
Evaporation
The process by which any substance is converted from a liquid state into, and carried off in, vapor; as, the evaporation of water, of ether, of camphor.
Boiling
Cooking in a boiling liquid
Evaporation
The transformation of a portion of a fluid into vapor, in order to obtain the fixed matter contained in it in a state of greater consistence.
Boiling
Extremely;
Boiling mad
Evaporation
That which is evaporated; vapor.
Boiling
Occurs uniformly throughout a liquid.
When the soup was boiling, bubbles appeared everywhere.
Evaporation
See Vaporization.
Boiling
Indicates a substance has reached its boiling point.
The boiling of mercury happens at 356.73°C.
Evaporation
The process of becoming a vapor
Evaporation
The process of extracting moisture
Common Curiosities
Why do I see bubbles when water is boiling?
Bubbles form due to the rapid formation of vapor throughout the liquid.
Does boiling occur only at a specific temperature?
Yes, boiling occurs at a liquid's specific boiling point.
Can evaporation happen in cold weather?
Yes, evaporation can occur at temperatures below a liquid's boiling point.
Do both boiling and evaporation change liquid to gas?
Yes, both processes turn liquid into gas but under different conditions.
Can evaporation cause cooling?
Yes, as molecules evaporate, they take away energy, cooling the remaining liquid.
Why does a cup of water left out eventually go empty?
This is due to evaporation, where water molecules transition to vapor and escape.
What happens to the boiling point at higher altitudes?
The boiling point decreases as atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude.
Is evaporation responsible for drying clothes?
Yes, the water in wet clothes evaporates, causing them to dry.
Which process requires external heat, boiling or evaporation?
Boiling typically requires external heat.
Does boiling kill bacteria in water?
Yes, boiling water for a sufficient duration can kill most bacteria and pathogens.
Does boiling always involve visible bubbles?
Generally, yes. Bubbles form when the vapor pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure.
Is the boiling point the same for all liquids?
No, different liquids have different boiling points based on their properties.
What's the primary factor influencing evaporation rate?
Temperature plays a significant role, but surface area, humidity, and wind can also influence the rate.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
