When water evaporates from an open container, the temperature of the remaining liquid typically decreases (the cooling effect). Which statement best explains why this cooling occurs?
The least energetic molecules leave the surface and escape, carrying away cold thermal energy.
The most energetic molecules leave the surface and escape into the air, decreasing the average kinetic energy of the remaining molecules.
The remaining molecules gain mass as they bond together, which causes them to slow down and cool.
Heat is lost solely through thermal radiation from the surface of the container.
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.