Ecology SOL Unit 3.1 - Water Cycle

Which of the following are the THREE phases or states of water?

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

Answer explanation

Water exists in three main phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). Plasma is not a common state of water, making solid, liquid, and gas the correct answers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What occurs when water vapor transforms into ice?

• Melting

• Deposition

• Evaporation

• Condensation

Answer explanation

When water vapor transforms directly into ice, this process is called deposition. It occurs without passing through the liquid phase, unlike melting or evaporation.

What does the Hydrologic Cycle describe?

• Movement of carbon in the atmosphere

• Movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface

• Movement of nitrogen in the soil

• Movement of oxygen in the ocean

Answer explanation

The Hydrologic Cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface, including processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, making it essential for understanding water distribution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What happens during infiltration?

• Water changes into vapor

• Water flows over the land

• Water soaks into the ground

• Water freezes into ice

Answer explanation

During infiltration, water soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies. This process is essential for maintaining soil moisture and supporting plant life, unlike the other options which describe different water states or movements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which process involves water changing directly from a solid to a gas?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Sublimation

• Deposition

Answer explanation

Sublimation is the process where water changes directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) without becoming liquid first. This distinguishes it from condensation, evaporation, and deposition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What is the role of latent heat in the water cycle?

• It causes water to freeze.

• It is absorbed or released during phase changes.

• It causes water to flow over land.

• It causes water to soak into the ground.

Answer explanation

Latent heat is crucial in the water cycle as it is absorbed or released during phase changes, such as evaporation and condensation, facilitating the movement of water between different states and driving weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What is the process called when water moves through the soil and into the groundwater?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Percolation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

The process when water moves through the soil and into the groundwater is called percolation. It involves the downward movement of water through soil layers, filtering and replenishing groundwater supplies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Match the phases of the water cycle to the picture.

• Precipitation

• 
• Evaporation

• 
• Runoff

• 
• Condensation

• 
• Transpiration

• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4