Understanding the Water Cycle

What is the process called when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

Which stage of the water cycle involves water turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere?

• Precipitation

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Infiltration

Identify the type of precipitation that occurs when raindrops freeze before hitting the ground.

• Snow

• Sleet

• Hail

• Rain

Explain how the sun influences the water cycle.

• It provides energy for evaporation.

• It causes condensation to occur.

• It directly causes precipitation.

• It absorbs water from the atmosphere.

Which of the following best describes the role of plants in the water cycle?

• They absorb water from the soil and release it as vapor through transpiration.

• They store water in their leaves and release it during photosynthesis.

• They prevent water from evaporating by covering the soil.

• They convert water into oxygen through respiration.

How does the water cycle contribute to the distribution of heat on Earth?

• By storing heat in the oceans.

• By transferring heat through the movement of water vapor.

• By reflecting sunlight back into space.

• By absorbing heat from the sun.

Analyze the impact of deforestation on the water cycle.

• It increases the rate of evaporation.

• It decreases the amount of transpiration.

• It has no effect on the water cycle.

• It increases the amount of precipitation.

Predict what might happen to the water cycle if global temperatures continue to rise.

• Increased evaporation and precipitation.

• Decreased evaporation and increased condensation.

• No change in the water cycle.

• Decreased precipitation and increased condensation.

What is the primary source of energy that drives the water cycle?

• Wind

• The Sun

• The Moon

• Earth's core

Which of the following processes is responsible for the formation of clouds?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration