Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water turns into water vapor (gas) due to heat, usually from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is collection in the water cycle?

Back

Collection is when water gathers in bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides energy that heats water, causing evaporation to occur.

Front

What happens to water in a bowl left outside for days?

Back

The water level decreases because of evaporation, as the sun heats the water.

Front

What causes water droplets to form on a cold surface?

Back

Water droplets form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses on the surface.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.