Which of the following describes the process of substances becoming vapor?

The process of substances becoming vapor is accurately described by vaporization. This term encompasses both evaporation, which occurs at the surface of the liquid at any temperature, and boiling, which occurs throughout the liquid at a specific temperature. Vaporization is a phase change where molecules transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state due to increased energy, typically from heat.

Understanding vaporization is crucial in various scientific contexts, including weather patterns, cooking processes, and industrial applications. The distinction is important because while evaporation refers to a specific instance of vaporization, the term itself (vaporization) includes both processes and provides a more comprehensive description of the transition from liquid to vapor.

Condensation, in contrast, is the process where vapor becomes liquid, and mitosis is a biological process unrelated to states of matter.