5.8B Sun and the Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is the process of water turning into vapor.

Front

Define evaporation.

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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 runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, usually from rain, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Front

How does solar energy affect evaporation?

Back

Solar energy heats the water, causing it to evaporate more quickly into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of evaporation in the water cycle.

Back

An example of evaporation is water evaporating from the surface of an ocean or lake.

Front

What happens during condensation in the water cycle?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, which can lead to cloud formation.