Sure! Here are definitions for each of the terms:
A. Evaporation: Evaporation is the process by which liquid water turns into water vapor (a gas) at temperatures below its boiling point. This occurs when molecules at the surface of the liquid gain enough energy to overcome atmospheric pressure and escape into the air. Evaporation is a key component of the water cycle and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area.
B. Sublimation: Sublimation is the process in which a solid transforms directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This occurs when the molecules of the solid gain enough energy to break free from their fixed positions in the crystalline structure and enter the gas phase. Common examples of sublimation include dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) turning into carbon dioxide gas and snowflakes disappearing on a cold, dry day.
C. Transpiration: Transpiration is the biological process by which plants absorb water through their roots and then release it as water vapor through small openings in their leaves called stomata. This process plays a critical role in the water cycle, helping to regulate plant temperature, facilitating nutrient uptake, and contributing to atmospheric moisture. Transpiration is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, and soil moisture.