The Hydrosphere: Distribution, Water Cycle, and Properties

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

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What is the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is the first step in the water cycle, allowing water to change from liquid to vapor.

Front

What is density?

Back

Density is the mass of a substance divided by its volume, often expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).

Front

Why does ice float on water?

Back

Ice floats on water because it is less dense than liquid water due to the arrangement of water molecules in a solid state, which creates more space between them.

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What are hydrogen bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another molecule, playing a crucial role in the properties of water.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is found beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that causes it to behave like a stretched elastic membrane, allowing small objects to float.

Front

What is 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 by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds or dew.