5.8B Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is water falling back to the Earth's surface as rain, sleet, hail, or snow.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor (gas) cools down and changes to liquid to form clouds.

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is the gaseous form of water.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where thermal energy is absorbed by liquid water, changing it to a gas called water vapor.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the movement of water into the air as water vapor and back to the Earth's surface as liquid or solid.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides thermal energy that drives evaporation, helping to move water from the surface to the atmosphere.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water after precipitation.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process where plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves.

Front

How do clouds form?

Back

Clouds form when water vapor cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the difference between liquid water and water vapor?

Back

Liquid water is the form of water we see in rivers and lakes, while water vapor is the invisible gas form of water.