Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

What describes the process of a substance changing from a liquid to a gas?

1. Condensation

2. Evaporation

3. Leaching

4. Photodegradation

The correct answer is: Evaporation

The process of a substance changing from a liquid to a gas is known as evaporation. This phenomenon occurs when molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to escape into the air as vapor. Evaporation can happen at any temperature, not just when a liquid reaches its boiling point. Factors such as temperature, surface area, and air movement can influence the rate of evaporation, making it an important concept in various fields including pest control, where understanding the behavior of liquids and gases can affect the application and effectiveness of pesticide treatments. Condensation refers to the transition from gas to liquid, while leaching involves the movement of dissolved substances through soil or other materials. Photodegradation is the breakdown of compounds through the interaction with light, particularly ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the distinction among these processes is essential for a pest control technician, as it can affect how substances behave in different environmental conditions.