What is "volatilization" in the context of pesticides?

Volatilization refers specifically to the process in which a substance transitions from a liquid state to a gaseous state. In the context of pesticides, this can occur when a pesticide applied to a surface, such as soil or plant foliage, evaporates into the atmosphere. Factors such as temperature, air movement, and the chemical composition of the pesticide can affect the rate of volatilization. Understanding this concept is crucial for pesticide application, as it impacts efficacy and potential environmental contamination.

The other options describe different processes: the change from solid to liquid refers to melting, the absorption by soil involves a different aspect of pesticide behavior in the environment, and degradation through sunlight exposure relates to photodecomposition rather than a phase change.