Secret Revealed and Scientists Surprised: Why Does the Sun Evaporate Water Better Than Fire or Other Heat Sources?

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 11/07/2025 at 20:02

Imagem: Saqlain Raza et al. – 10.1039/D5MH00353A

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Researchers Explain Why Sunlight Evaporates Water Faster Than Other Heat Sources — And The Secret Is In The Electric Field

A group of researchers from North Carolina State University in the United States may have solved an ancient mystery: why sunlight is more effective than other energy sources at evaporating water.

The discovery has important implications for sectors such as energy generation, water purification, and industrial steam production.

Sunlight Is Different

Professor Saqlain Raza summarizes the main point: “It is well established that the Sun is exceptionally efficient at making water evaporate — more efficient than heating water on the stove, for example.” But, according to him, no one really knew the reason for this until now.

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Without The Electric Field, Water Evaporates Slowly

The simulations showed that, by removing the electric field from sunlight, water evaporation slowed down.

On the other hand, when the electric field was present, the process was much faster. Additionally, the stronger the electric field, the more efficient the evaporation.

According to Liu, it is this electric field that makes the difference between simply heating water and using sunlight. Heat alone does not yield the same result.

How The Electric Field Affects Water Molecules

The simulations also revealed how the electric field directly influences water molecules.

According to Professor Raza, evaporation can occur in two ways: either water releases individual molecules, or it releases clusters, which are groups of interconnected molecules.

The essential point is that these clusters can also separate from the liquid water. Moreover, it requires no more energy to evaporate a cluster than a single molecule.

“We found that the oscillating electric field is particularly effective at breaking apart water clusters,” Liu explained. This makes the process much more efficient, as several molecules can evaporate at once.

Faster Evaporation With Hydrogels

The team tested the theory in two scenarios: one with pure water and another with a hydrogel. In the first, few water clusters were found near the surface.

In the second, with hydrogel, clusters formed in greater numbers where the liquid touched the material.

This facilitated the action of the electric field. With more clusters available to be broken, evaporation happened more quickly.

The presence of the electric field from sunlight may, therefore, be the key to understanding why the Sun is so effective at evaporating water.

The discovery, based on detailed simulations, points to practical applications in various industrial and environmental areas.

With information from Inovação Tecnológica.

Secret Revealed and Scientists Surprised: Why Does the Sun Evaporate Water Better Than Fire or Other Heat Sources?

Researchers Explain Why Sunlight Evaporates Water Faster Than Other Heat Sources — And The Secret Is In The Electric Field

Sunlight Is Different

Without The Electric Field, Water Evaporates Slowly

How The Electric Field Affects Water Molecules

Faster Evaporation With Hydrogels

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Secret Revealed and Scientists Surprised: Why Does the Sun Evaporate Water Better Than Fire or Other Heat Sources?

Researchers Explain Why Sunlight Evaporates Water Faster Than Other Heat Sources — And The Secret Is In The Electric Field

Sunlight Is Different

Without The Electric Field, Water Evaporates Slowly

How The Electric Field Affects Water Molecules

Faster Evaporation With Hydrogels

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