Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is when the sun heats up water and turns it into water vapor.

Front

What happens to ice when it melts?

Back

When ice melts, it changes from a solid state to a liquid state, increasing in temperature.

Front

What are the three states of matter?

Back

The three states of matter are gas, liquid, and solid.

Front

What are clouds mostly made of?

Back

Clouds are mostly made of water droplets.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

How does temperature affect the state of water?

Back

Temperature changes can cause water to change states: it freezes into ice (solid) when cold, melts into water (liquid) when warm, and evaporates into vapor (gas) when heated.

Front

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

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is a key part of the water cycle.

Front

What is the process of water gathering in rivers and streams called?

Back

The process of water gathering in rivers and streams is called runoff.