The Water Cycle

The Water Cycle

The Water Cycle

• The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, or below the surface of the Earth.

• This cycle is driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.

• Water changes its state between liquid, gas, and solid at various stages in the cycle.

• Key processes include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration.

• Understanding the water cycle is important for recognizing how water moves through different environments.

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The process where water changes from a liquid to a gas is called

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When water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, it is called

.

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is the stage in which water falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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The process of animals and plants giving off water vapor is called

.

Multiple Choice

What happens during precipitation?

• Water turns into vapor.

• Water evaporates.

• Water falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

• Water is absorbed by plants.

Multiple Choice

How does gravity affect the water cycle?

• It pulls water into the atmosphere.

• It causes precipitation to fall to the earth.

• It evaporates water.

• It provides the sunlight needed for evaporation.

Open Ended

Answer the following question in complete sentences. Describe how the sun and gravity work together to drive the water cycle.

Open Ended

Answer the question in complete sentences. How does water change states as it moves through the water cycle? Be sure to include all three states (solid, liquid, gas).