In which condition is the rate of evaporation most likely to be highest?

Correct answer: Hot, dry air and an open surface

Correct answer: D, hot, dry air and an open surface. Evaporation is the change of liquid water into water vapour. Heat supplies energy to water molecules, so a higher temperature generally increases evaporation. Dry air contains relatively little water vapour and can accept more vapour, so evaporation continues rapidly. An open or larger exposed surface gives more water molecules an opportunity to escape into the air. A and C are unfavourable because cool temperatures slow molecular movement and high humidity reduces the air’s capacity to accept more vapour. B is also unfavourable because saturated air already contains as much vapour as it can hold at that temperature, and calm air removes vapour slowly. Memory cue: evaporation is encouraged by heat, dryness, moving air, and exposed surface.