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Everyday science

Light evaporates water without heating it

05 Jan 2024 Isabelle Dumé
Artist's illustration of a water molecule
Photomolecular effect: At the water-air interface, light can, under certain conditions, induce evaporation without the need for heat, according to a new study by researchers at MIT. (Courtesy: Shutterstock/Valenty)
Under certain conditions, light can cause water to evaporate directly, without heating it first. The

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