The Water Cycle

Front

___ is the process by which water is converted from a liquid to a gas.

Back

evaporation

Answer explanation

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, typically due to heat. This distinguishes it from condensation (gas to liquid), precipitation (water falling), and runoff (water flow).

Front

___ is the process by which water vapor is released by plants.

Back

transpiration

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. This is distinct from evaporation, which involves water changing from liquid to vapor without plant involvement.

Front

___ is the process by which water vapor is converted back into liquid water.

Back

condensation

Answer explanation

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming droplets. This is the opposite of evaporation, where liquid water turns into vapor.

Front

Condensation forms ___.

Back

clouds

Answer explanation

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds. Therefore, the correct answer is 'clouds', as they are a direct result of condensation.

Front

___ is the process by which liquid or solid water falls from clouds back to Earth in the form of snow, rain, sleet, or hail.

Back

precipitation

Answer explanation

Precipitation is the correct term for the process where water falls from clouds to Earth as snow, rain, sleet, or hail. Evaporation, transpiration, and condensation are different processes in the water cycle.

Front

What is it called when water travels above ground after precipitation falls?

Back

runoff

Answer explanation

When precipitation falls and travels above ground, it is referred to as runoff. This process involves water moving over the land surface towards streams, rivers, and eventually oceans.

Front

What is water travelling below ground called after precipitation falls and is absorbed?

Back

groundwater

Answer explanation

When water travels below ground, it is referred to as groundwater. This term specifically describes water that has infiltrated the soil and is stored in underground aquifers, distinguishing it from surface runoff and precipitation.

Front

___ is the process by which liquid water soaks into the ground, going from surface water to groundwater.

Back

infiltration

Answer explanation

Infiltration is the correct term for the process where liquid water seeps into the ground, transitioning from surface water to groundwater. Runoff refers to water flowing over the surface, while condensation and accumulation describe different processes.

Front

___ is the process by which animals breathe and exhale water vapor.

Back

respiration

Answer explanation

Respiration is the process by which animals take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, along with water vapor. This distinguishes it from transpiration, condensation, and evaporation, which involve water movement in plants and the atmosphere.

Front

What is a way that water vapor enters the atmosphere?

Back

All of the above (transpiration, evaporation, respiration)

Answer explanation

Water vapor enters the atmosphere through transpiration from plants, evaporation from bodies of water, and respiration from animals. Therefore, the correct answer is 'all of the above'.