Weather and States of Matter Vocabulary

Fill in the blank: _______ are a mass of tiny water drops or ice crystals that float in the air above the Earth.

• Clouds

• Rocks

• Leaves

• Sand

Answer explanation

Clouds are formed from tiny water drops or ice crystals suspended in the air, making them the correct answer. Rocks, leaves, and sand do not fit this description.

Fill in the blank: _______ is the state of the atmosphere at a given time and place with respect to variables such as temperature, moisture, wind speed and direction, and barometric pressure.

• Weather

• Climate

• Season

• Forecast

Answer explanation

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, encompassing factors like temperature, moisture, wind, and pressure. In contrast, climate describes long-term patterns, making 'weather' the correct choice.

Fill in the blank: _______ is a measure of water vapor in the air.

• Humidity

• Temperature

• Pressure

• Wind Speed

Answer explanation

Humidity is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air, distinguishing it from temperature, pressure, and wind speed, which measure different atmospheric conditions.

Fill in the blank: _______ is any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls back to the Earth.

• Precipitation

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

Precipitation is the term for any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls back to Earth, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The other options refer to different processes in the water cycle.

A _______ is a map that displays various meteorological features across a particular area at a particular point in time and has various symbols which all have specific meanings.

• Weather Map

• Climate Chart

• Geographic Map

• Topographic Map

Answer explanation

A Weather Map displays meteorological features like temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns at a specific time, using symbols with defined meanings. This distinguishes it from Climate Charts, Geographic Maps, and Topographic Maps.

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a layer of gas and suspended solids extending from the Earth’s surface up many thousands of miles, becoming increasingly thinner with distance but always held by the Earth’s gravitational pull.

• Atmosphere

• Lithosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The atmosphere is the layer of gas surrounding the Earth, extending thousands of miles and thinning with distance. It is held in place by Earth's gravity, making it the correct choice for the blank.

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. The process includes evaporation, transpiration, sublimation, precipitation, and deposition.

• Water Cycle

• Carbon Cycle

• Nitrogen Cycle

• Rock Cycle

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Water Cycle' as it describes the continuous movement of water through processes like evaporation and precipitation, unlike the other cycles which pertain to different elements.

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a state of matter that retains its shape and density when not confined.

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

Answer explanation

A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume, maintaining its form when not confined. In contrast, liquids and gases do not retain shape without a container.

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a substance that flows freely but has a constant volume, having a consistency like that of water or oil.

• Liquid

• Solid

• Gas

• Plasma

Answer explanation

A liquid is a substance that flows freely and maintains a constant volume, similar to water or oil. Solids have fixed shapes, gases expand to fill their containers, and plasma is an ionized state of matter.

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a substance or matter that will expand freely and has no fixed shape.

• Gas

• Solid

• Liquid

• Plasma

Answer explanation

A gas is a state of matter that expands to fill its container and has no fixed shape, unlike solids and liquids. Therefore, the correct answer is gas.