The Water Cycle: Understanding the Process

What happens when liquid water on Earth's surface turns into water vapor?

Choose one:

a) It freezes

b) It condenses

c) It evaporates

d) It precipitates

Answer:

c) It evaporates

The process of liquid water turning into water vapor is known as evaporation. This is a key component of the water cycle, where water is heated by the sun and changes from liquid to gas, rising into the atmosphere.

During evaporation, energy from the sun causes the molecules in liquid water to gain energy and become gaseous water vapor. This water vapor then enters the atmosphere and contributes to cloud formation and weather patterns.

Evaporation is essential for regulating Earth's temperature and distributing water across the planet. It is a natural process that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of water in the environment.