Water changes phase as it releases heat to the environment. Water boils as it absorbs energy from the sidewalk. Water becomes a gas as it absorbs energy from the Sun. Water evaporates as its thermal energy is transferred to the air.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: Water puddles on a sidewalk evaporate when the Sun heats the water. Which of these best describes what is happening as the water evaporates?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- Water changes phase as it releases heat to the environment.
- Water boils as it absorbs energy from the sidewalk.
- Water becomes a gas as it absorbs energy from the Sun.
- Water evaporates as its thermal energy is transferred to the air.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

Water becomes a gas as it absorbs energy from the Sun.