Which of the following does NOT increase the rate of evaporation?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (a) Decrease in temperature

Explanation:

• A decrease in temperature does not increase the rate of evaporation.
• Evaporation is the process by which liquid molecules gain energy to transform into vapor.
• When the temperature is lowered, the molecules have less kinetic energy, reducing their ability to escape into the vapor phase, thereby slowing down evaporation.

Other Options:

• Increase in surface area: An increased surface area exposes more liquid molecules to the atmosphere, enhancing evaporation.
• Increase in wind speed: Wind removes the vaporized molecules from the liquid's surface, reducing saturation and allowing more evaporation to occur.
• Decrease in humidity: Lower humidity means the air is less saturated with water vapor, which increases the evaporation rate.