water cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water heats up and changes into water vapor (gas).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is condensation?

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Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is precipitation?

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Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff?

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Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What happens during evaporation?

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During evaporation, water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapor).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What happens during condensation?

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During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets of liquid water, which can create clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

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The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur, driving the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does precipitation occur?

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Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to fall to the ground due to gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

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Evaporation is the process of liquid turning into gas, while condensation is the process of gas turning back into liquid.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4