Water, Carbon, & Nitrogen Cycles

Snow and hail are examples of​ (a)  

• Precipitation

• Evaporation

• Condensation

Answer explanation

Snow and hail are examples of precipitation. Precipitation occurs when water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Evaporation and condensation are related processes, but they do not describe the falling of snow and hail.

When water evaporates, it changes from a liquid to a  ​ ​ (a)  

• gas

• solid

Answer explanation

When water evaporates, it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. This process occurs when water molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid state and become water vapor. Therefore, the correct answer is 'gas'.

The process of  water that is added to the atmosphere from plants is called

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the correct answer because it refers to the process by which water is released into the atmosphere from plants, mainly through their leaves. This process is essential for plants as it helps in cooling, nutrient uptake, and maintaining turgor pressure. Condensation, evaporation, and precipitation are related to the water cycle but do not specifically involve water release from plants.

Match the following

• D

• Precipitation

• A

• Evaporation

• B

• Transpiration

• C

• Condensation

When water is heated in the ocean by the sun and turns into water vapor

• condensation

• evaporation

• transpiration

• runoff

Answer explanation

The process described in the question is evaporation. When the sun heats water in the ocean, the water molecules gain energy and turn into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere. This is different from condensation, transpiration, and runoff, which involve different aspects of the water cycle.

What is it called when plants give off water vapor as a waste product?

• condensation

• evaporation

• sublimation

• transpiration

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor as a waste product. It occurs mainly through the stomata, small openings on the leaves' surface. This process helps in cooling the plant and maintaining water balance. Unlike condensation, evaporation, and sublimation, transpiration specifically refers to the release of water vapor by plants.

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

• provide heat energy for evaporation

• provide heat energy for condensation

• dry out the soil for runoff to occur

• provide thermal energy for accumulation

Answer explanation

The sun plays a crucial role in the water cycle by providing heat energy for evaporation. This heat energy causes water to change from a liquid state to a gaseous state, forming water vapor. This process is a key component of the water cycle, as it allows water to be transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere, eventually leading to condensation and precipitation.

Which best explains why runoff is important?

• It returns water to other locations on Earth

• It increases the chance of flooding

• It makes evaporation occur faster

• It increases condensation

Answer explanation

Runoff is important because it returns water to other locations on Earth. This process is a crucial part of the water cycle, as it helps redistribute water from areas of high precipitation to areas with less water availability. Runoff can also replenish groundwater supplies and maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing a continuous flow of water.

Which stage does the #2 show in the diagram?

• condensation

• evaporation

• precipitation

• run off

Answer explanation

In the diagram, stage #2 represents evaporation. This is the process where water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, as it is heated by the sun and rises into the atmosphere. The other options, condensation, precipitation, and run off, represent different stages in the water cycle.

Which stage does the #3 show in the diagram?

• condensation

• evaporation

• precipitation

• run off

Answer explanation

In the diagram, stage #3 represents condensation. This is the process where water vapor in the air cools down and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds. The other options, evaporation, precipitation, and run off, are different stages of the water cycle and are not represented by stage #3.