Answer to Question #197704 in General Chemistry for Blank 0822

Question

Showers, also known as rain showers, have a shorter duration than rain. They tend to be quick and come in bursts. It is a common observation that when the sun comes out immediately after a rain shower, the puddles formed from the rain dries up faster than if it remains cloudy. Explain, on the molecular level, as to why this occurs.

Limit the answer to 200 words per item.

Answer 1

This process is called evaporation. It occurs when particles at the exposed surface of a liquid absorb just enough energy to pull away from the liquid and escape into the air. This happens faster at warmer temperatures. In a pothole during a rain shower, the puddle will eventually evaporate. It will just evaporate faster if the sun comes out and heats the water than if the sky remains cloudy.

NB Evaporation of water occurs even at relatively low temperatures. The water trapped in the pothole will evaporate sooner or later.