Evaporation vs. Transpiration — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Evaporation is the process where water changes from liquid to vapor, mainly from surfaces like lakes. Transpiration involves water vapor release from plants through stomata.
Difference Between Evaporation and Transpiration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Evaporation is the process where water converts from liquid to vapor, occurring on surfaces such as oceans, lakes, and soil. Transpiration, on the other hand, specifically refers to water vapor release from plant leaves through stomata.
Evaporation is driven by heat from the sun, which provides the energy required for water molecules to escape into the air. Transpiration involves the movement of water within a plant and its subsequent release, influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture.
While evaporation can occur from any open water body or wet surface, transpiration is limited to the biological process in plants. Both processes are part of the water cycle but differ in their sources and mechanisms.
Evaporation contributes to the atmospheric moisture essential for precipitation. Transpiration also adds to atmospheric moisture but significantly contributes to plant water regulation and nutrient uptake.
The rate of evaporation increases with higher temperatures and wind speeds, while the rate of transpiration is also affected by the plant type, stomatal density, and environmental conditions. Both processes are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Water changing from liquid to vapor from surfaces
Water vapor release from plant leaves
Occurrence
On surfaces like lakes, oceans, soil
Within plants, through stomata
Influencing Factors
Sunlight, temperature, wind speed
Temperature, humidity, soil moisture, plant type
Role in Water Cycle
Adds moisture to the atmosphere
Adds moisture and regulates plant water
Mechanism
Physical process driven by heat
Biological process involving plant physiology
Compare with Definitions
Evaporation
A key part of the water cycle, involving water bodies.
Evaporation from the ocean contributes to cloud formation.
Transpiration
A plant physiological process involving water movement.
The forest contributes to local humidity through transpiration.
Evaporation
The loss of moisture from surfaces into the air.
Evaporation from the lake cools the surrounding area.
Transpiration
The release of water vapor from plant leaves.
Transpiration helps cool the plant on hot days.
Evaporation
The escape of water molecules into the atmosphere.
Increased evaporation rates can lead to drought conditions.
Transpiration
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers. Water is necessary for plants but only a small amount of water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism.
Evaporation
A phase transition from liquid to gas.
Evaporation occurs faster on windy days.
Transpiration
The act or process of transpiring, especially through the stomata of plant tissue or the pores of the skin.
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.
Transpiration
(botany) The loss of water by evaporation in terrestrial plants, especially through the stomata; accompanied by a corresponding uptake from the roots.
Evaporation
The process of turning from liquid into vapour
Snow cover prevents evaporation of water from the soil
Transpiration
(physiology) The process of giving off water vapour through the skin or mucous membranes.
Evaporation
To convert or change into a vapor.
Transpiration
The passage of gases through fine tubes.
Evaporation
To draw off in the form of vapor.
Transpiration
The act or process of transpiring or excreting in the form of vapor; exhalation, as through the skin or other membranes of the body; as, pulmonary transpiration, or the excretion of aqueous vapor from the lungs. Perspiration is a form of transpiration.
Evaporation
To draw moisture from, as by heating, leaving only the dry solid portion.
Transpiration
The evaporation of water, or exhalation of aqueous vapor, from cells and masses of tissue.
Evaporation
To deposit (a metal) on a substrate by vacuum sublimation.
Transpiration
The passing of gases through fine tubes, porous substances, or the like; as, transpiration through membranes.
Evaporation
To change into vapor.
Transpiration
The passage of gases through fine tubes because of differences in pressure or temperature
Evaporation
To pass off in or as vapor.
Transpiration
The process of givng off or exhaling water vapor through the skin or mucous membranes
Evaporation
To produce vapor.
Transpiration
The emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants
Evaporation
To disappear; vanish
Our fears at last evaporated.
Transpiration
The passage of water through a plant and out the stomata.
Transpiration is highest during the midday heat.
Evaporation
The process of a liquid converting to the gaseous state.
Transpiration
A mechanism for nutrient transport within plants.
Adequate transpiration ensures nutrient delivery to all parts of the plant.
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.
Transpiration
A critical function in the plant’s water regulation.
Transpiration rates can indicate plant health and water needs.
Evaporation
(archaic) That which is evaporated; vapor.
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.
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.
Evaporation
That which is evaporated; vapor.
Evaporation
See Vaporization.
Evaporation
The process of becoming a vapor
Evaporation
The process of extracting moisture
Evaporation
The process of water turning into vapor from a liquid state.
The puddle dried up quickly due to evaporation in the hot sun.
Common Curiosities
What is transpiration?
Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves through the stomata.
Does evaporation contribute to the water cycle?
Yes, evaporation is a key part of the water cycle, adding moisture to the atmosphere.
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, occurring primarily on surfaces such as lakes and oceans.
How does temperature affect transpiration?
Higher temperatures can increase transpiration rates as plants open their stomata more to cool down.
What surfaces does evaporation occur on?
Evaporation can occur on any wet surface, including lakes, rivers, soil, and even human skin.
How does temperature affect evaporation?
Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates by providing more energy for water molecules to escape into the air.
Can evaporation occur at night?
Yes, evaporation can occur at night, though it is usually slower due to lower temperatures.
Does transpiration contribute to the water cycle?
Yes, transpiration adds moisture to the atmosphere and is crucial for plant water regulation.
Is transpiration a physical or biological process?
Transpiration is a biological process.
Why is transpiration important for plants?
Transpiration is important for nutrient transport, cooling, and maintaining water balance within plants.
What factors influence evaporation?
Factors such as sunlight, temperature, wind speed, and humidity influence evaporation rates.
Is evaporation a physical or biological process?
Evaporation is a physical process.
What part of the plant is involved in transpiration?
Transpiration involves the stomata, small openings on the leaves of plants.
Can transpiration occur at night?
Transpiration typically decreases at night as stomata often close in the absence of light.
What factors influence transpiration?
Factors like temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and plant type affect transpiration.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
