Which change would most likely increase the rate of evaporation in the water cycle?

Which change would most likely increase the rate of evaporation in the water cycle?

• A. Decrease in temperature
• B. Increase in humidity with no temperature change
• C. Decrease wind speed
• D. Increase in temperature

Answer: (D)

Rate of evaporation depends on how much energy water molecules have and how easily water vapor is carried away by the air. Warmer water gives molecules more energy, so more of them can escape the surface and enter the air. Warmer air can also hold more water vapor, increasing the driving force for evaporation. The other changes wouldn’t boost evaporation as effectively: cooling the water reduces molecular energy, higher humidity means the air is already close to saturated so it can’t pull away vapor as readily, and slower wind means vapor isn’t removed as quickly, reducing the rate at which more water can evaporate. So increasing temperature would most increase the rate of evaporation.

Rate of evaporation depends on how much energy water molecules have and how easily water vapor is carried away by the air. Warmer water gives molecules more energy, so more of them can escape the surface and enter the air. Warmer air can also hold more water vapor, increasing the driving force for evaporation. The other changes wouldn’t boost evaporation as effectively: cooling the water reduces molecular energy, higher humidity means the air is already close to saturated so it can’t pull away vapor as readily, and slower wind means vapor isn’t removed as quickly, reducing the rate at which more water can evaporate. So increasing temperature would most increase the rate of evaporation.