What process cools the body by converting a liquid into a gas?

The process that cools the body by converting a liquid into a gas is known as evaporation. This occurs when molecules of a liquid gain sufficient energy to transition into the gaseous state. During this process, the higher energy molecules escape from the liquid, leading to a decrease in the average energy and temperature of the remaining liquid. In the context of cooling the body, when sweat evaporates from the skin, it absorbs heat energy from the body, effectively lowering the body temperature.

Conduction refers to the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, which does not involve a phase change. Convection involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases), which also does not include a phase change. Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and does not involve a liquid turning into gas. Therefore, evaporation is the distinct process that results in cooling through the conversion of liquid sweat into water vapor.