Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor, usually due to heat from the Sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is condensation?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role does the Sun play in the water cycle?

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The Sun provides the energy needed for evaporation and transpiration, driving the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

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Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

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How do evaporation and transpiration compare?

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During both processes, liquid water is converted into water vapor.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens after water evaporates into the atmosphere?

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The next stage of the water cycle is condensation, where water vapor cools and forms clouds.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What would happen if the Sun were removed from the water cycle?

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The water cycle would no longer occur because the Sun provides the energy for evaporation and transpiration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the term for water vapor turning back into liquid water?

Back

Condensation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4