The Sun and the Water Cycle

Front

What determines the state (solid, liquid, or gas) of water?

Back

Temperature determines the state of water. When the temperature is low, water is solid (ice). At moderate temperatures, it is liquid (water), and at high temperatures, it becomes gas (water vapor).

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What does the sun do to water in the water cycle?

Back

The sun heats water, causing it to evaporate and turn into water vapor.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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 is collection in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of clouds in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds form during condensation and are essential for precipitation, as they hold water vapor that eventually falls as rain or snow.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What happens during precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.