Science Chapter 7 Lesson 2 The Water Cycle

Water vapor is the correct answer because it refers to the gaseous form of water. When water evaporates, it turns into water vapor, which is invisible to the naked eye. Water vapor is an essential component of the Earth's atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the water cycle and weather patterns. It can condense to form clouds and eventually lead to precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or sleet.

The given answer, "water cycle," is the correct explanation for the ongoing movement of water through many different processes and states. The water cycle refers to the continuous circulation of water on Earth, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Water evaporates from bodies of water, condenses into clouds, and then falls back to the Earth as precipitation, completing the cycle. This constant movement and transformation of water is essential for maintaining the Earth's water supply and supporting various ecosystems.

Melting is the process in which a solid substance changes into a liquid state. This occurs when the temperature of the solid is raised above its melting point, causing the particles to gain enough energy to overcome the attractive forces holding them together in a solid structure. As a result, the solid's orderly arrangement breaks down, and it transitions into a more disordered liquid state.

Water vapor refers to the gaseous form of water. When water is heated, it evaporates and turns into water vapor. This process occurs naturally in the environment, such as when water bodies like lakes or oceans heat up and release water vapor into the air. Water vapor is invisible to the naked eye but can be measured using instruments like hygrometers. It plays a crucial role in the Earth's water cycle and is a key component of the atmosphere.

The Sun is the energy source that drives the water cycle. The Sun's heat causes water on the Earth's surface to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere. This process is known as evaporation. The water vapor then cools and condenses to form clouds. Eventually, the condensed water droplets in the clouds combine and fall back to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow. This continuous cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is powered by the energy from the Sun.

Evaporation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of a liquid turning into a gas. During evaporation, the liquid molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid phase and become vapor. This process typically occurs at the surface of the liquid and is influenced by factors such as temperature, surface area, and air flow. Evaporation is an essential part of the water cycle and is responsible for the formation of clouds, as well as the cooling effect experienced when sweat evaporates from our skin.

Precipitation refers to water that falls from clouds to Earth. It includes various forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. It is the result of condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the Earth's water cycle.

Freezing is the process in which a liquid changes into a solid. It occurs when the temperature of the liquid drops below its freezing point, causing the particles to slow down and arrange themselves into a fixed, orderly structure. This transformation is commonly observed when water turns into ice at 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, freezing is the correct answer for the given question.

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Water evaporates from the Earth's surface and rises into the air as water vapor. This water vapor then condenses to form clouds. Eventually, the water droplets in the clouds combine and fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation, such as rain or snow. Therefore, water moves between the Earth and the air during the water cycle.

Condensation is the process of a gas becoming a liquid. When the temperature of a gas decreases, the gas molecules lose energy and slow down. As a result, they come closer together and form liquid droplets. This is commonly observed when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as when water vapor in the air condenses on a cold window pane. Therefore, condensation is the correct answer.

Snow is formed when the air temperature in the clouds is cold enough for ice crystals to form. These ice crystals then come together to create snowflakes. Snow is a type of precipitation that falls from the clouds in the form of these ice crystals. Unlike sleet, which is formed when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground, snowflakes remain as individual ice crystals until they reach the surface. Snow is a common occurrence in colder regions and is often associated with winter weather.

Sleet refers to small drops of rain that freeze in the air before reaching the ground. Unlike snow, which forms as ice crystals in the atmosphere, sleet occurs when raindrops partially freeze into ice pellets. This typically happens when there is a layer of freezing air near the surface, causing the rain to freeze before it reaches the ground. Sleet is often associated with winter weather conditions and can create slippery and hazardous conditions on roads and walkways.