Why does the surface temperature generally decrease during evaporation?

Correct answer: Evaporation takes heat

Correct answer: A. Evaporation requires energy. The faster, more energetic molecules at a liquid surface escape into the air, taking some heat energy with them. The molecules left behind have, on average, less energy, so the surface temperature may decrease and the surface feels cooler. This is why sweat cools the body when it evaporates, although the actual cooling also depends on air movement and humidity. B is incorrect because evaporation does not produce light. C is incorrect because removing dust is not the energy explanation for cooling. D is incorrect because increased pressure is not the main reason the surface loses heat during evaporation. A is correct because it identifies the heat absorbed in the phase change from liquid to vapour. Memory cue: evaporation takes heat away; condensation generally releases heat. Do not say that every evaporation event causes the same amount of cooling, because surrounding conditions affect the rate.