Water and Climate Unit Test Practice

Which process in the water cycle involves liquid water turning into water vapor due to solar energy?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

• Infiltration

Answer explanation

The process of evaporation involves liquid water turning into water vapor when heated by solar energy. This is a key step in the water cycle, distinguishing it from condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What happens when water vapor cools and turns into liquid droplets, forming clouds?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Runoff

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

When water vapor cools, it loses energy and changes into liquid droplets, which is called condensation. This process is essential for cloud formation in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which process allows water to move from plants into the atmosphere?

• Transpiration

• Infiltration

• Percolation

• Sublimation

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from plant leaves into the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in the water cycle. Infiltration, percolation, and sublimation refer to different water movement processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What type of precipitation consists of frozen raindrops that form as rain passes through a cold layer of air?

• Snow

• Sleet

• Hail

• Rain

Answer explanation

Sleet is the type of precipitation that occurs when raindrops freeze as they pass through a cold layer of air, resulting in small ice pellets. This distinguishes it from snow, hail, and rain.

The process where water soaks into the soil and becomes groundwater is called:

• Infiltration

• Runoff

• Condensation

• Deposition

Answer explanation

The correct answer is infiltration, which is the process where water seeps into the soil and becomes groundwater. Runoff refers to water flowing over the surface, while condensation and deposition are related to water in different states.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The percentage of open space in a rock or soil that determines how much water it can hold is called:

• Capillarity

• Permeability

• Porosity

• Saturation

Answer explanation

Porosity refers to the percentage of open space in rock or soil, which determines its capacity to hold water. This distinguishes it from capillarity, permeability, and saturation, making porosity the correct answer.

The zone in the ground where all the pore spaces are completely filled with water is called the:

Answer explanation

The zone where all pore spaces are filled with water is known as the saturated zone. This area is crucial for groundwater resources, as it contains the water that can be extracted for various uses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which factor affects the ability of water to flow through a rock?

• Capillarity

• Permeability

• Density

• Temperature

Answer explanation

Permeability is the key factor that determines how easily water can flow through a rock. It refers to the rock's ability to transmit fluids, while capillarity, density, and temperature do not directly influence flow through rock.

A watershed is:

• An area where all water flows to the same location

• A place where groundwater collects underground

• Another name for an aquifer

• A cloud formation process

Answer explanation

A watershed is defined as an area where all water flows to a common outlet, such as a river or lake. This distinguishes it from groundwater collection or aquifers, which refer to underground water storage.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Coastal locations generally have:

• Hotter summers and colder winters

• Cooler summers and warmer winters

• Extreme temperature changes

• No seasonal variation

Answer explanation

Coastal locations experience maritime influences, leading to milder temperatures. This results in cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6