In an experiment, water at room temperature is poured into a shallow tray made of an insulating plastic. The tray is kept in a draught-free room. After some time, both the volume and the temperature of the water are found to have decreased below their initial values.

Name and describe the physical process causing the volume of water to decrease, and explain in terms of molecules why this process also causes the temperature of the remaining water to decrease.

In a second experiment, using the same plastic tray and initial amount of water at room temperature, a table fan is used to blow air continuously across the top of the tray.

Predict how the temperature change of the water compares to that in the first experiment, and explain this effect.

In a third experiment, the same initial amount of water at room temperature is poured into a copper tray of identical shape and size as the plastic tray.

Compared with the first experiment, the decrease in the temperature of the water is less over the same period of time.

Explain why.