Yes, water can be turned into vapor without changing its temperature through a process called evaporation. Evaporation occurs when the molecules of a liquid gain enough energy to break free from the liquid's surface and enter the gas phase. It is a phase transition that happens at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid.
The temperature of a substance is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its molecules. In a liquid, molecules have a range of kinetic energies, with some having higher energy than others. When the higher-energy molecules near the surface of the liquid gain enough energy, they can overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together and escape into the air as vapor.
Evaporation can occur at any temperature, but it happens more rapidly at higher temperatures. The rate of evaporation depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, surface area, and airflow. Increasing the temperature of the liquid generally increases the average kinetic energy of its molecules, thereby increasing the rate of evaporation.
It's important to note that evaporation leads to cooling of the remaining liquid. This is because the higher-energy molecules escape, leaving behind the lower-energy molecules. The average kinetic energy, and therefore the temperature, of the remaining liquid decreases as a result.
In everyday situations, we observe evaporation of water even at room temperature. For example, when wet clothes are hung outside, the water gradually evaporates, drying the clothes. Similarly, the evaporation of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans contributes to the water cycle and the formation of clouds.
Overall, evaporation is a process by which water molecules can transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase without a change in temperature, provided the energy needed for the phase transition is supplied.