When a liquid evaporates from an open container, the temperature of the remaining liquid decreases. Which of the following statements correctly explains this cooling effect?
The least energetic molecules escape from the surface of the liquid, leaving behind molecules with a higher average kinetic energy.
The most energetic molecules escape from the surface of the liquid, leaving behind molecules with a lower average kinetic energy.
Heat is transferred from the surrounding air to the surface molecules, which increases the temperature of the remaining liquid.
High-energy electrons are released from the liquid's surface, reducing the total thermal energy of the remaining liquid.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.