Air Pressure & Water Cycle Measurement Quiz

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas state. When the student looks outside after it has rained and sees puddles of water, the heat from the surroundings causes the water molecules to gain energy and transform into water vapor, leading to evaporation. This explains why the puddles have disappeared later in the day.

A barometer is the correct answer because it is the instrument specifically designed to measure air pressure. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury or another liquid, with one end open to the atmosphere and the other end sealed. As the air pressure changes, it causes the liquid level to rise or fall in the tube, providing a measurement of the pressure. This instrument is widely used in meteorology and other scientific fields to monitor and predict weather conditions.

The symbol below represents snowy weather conditions.

Evaporation is the process in which water changes from a liquid to a gas. This occurs when heat energy from the sun causes the water molecules to gain enough energy to break free from the liquid and become vapor. During evaporation, water molecules escape into the air, forming water vapor. This is an essential part of the water cycle as it allows water to be transferred from bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, into the atmosphere.

Precipitation refers to the process in which water, in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, falls back to the Earth's surface due to gravity. It occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere becomes too heavy to remain suspended and condenses into liquid or solid form. This process is a crucial part of the water cycle, as it replenishes the Earth's water sources and helps maintain the balance of water on our planet.

Based on the observation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are large, towering clouds associated with thunderstorms, the most likely weather condition would be a thunderstorm. Cumulonimbus clouds are known for their vertical development and can produce heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and strong winds. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the presence of cumulonimbus clouds indicates the likelihood of a thunderstorm occurring.

Condensation is the process in which water vapor in the air cools down and transforms into liquid water. In the water cycle, this occurs when the warm air rises and cools as it reaches higher altitudes, causing the water vapor to condense and form clouds. Therefore, clouds forming in the atmosphere is an example of condensation in the water cycle.

When scientists observe weather patterns in the United States, they generally find that these patterns move from east to west. This is because the prevailing winds in the United States, known as the westerlies, blow from west to east. As a result, weather systems and storms tend to be carried along by these winds, causing them to move in an east to west direction.

The statement "The amount of water in the air always remains the same" is inaccurate. The amount of water in the air can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. When the air is warm, it can hold more moisture, resulting in higher humidity levels. Conversely, when the air is cold, it can hold less moisture, leading to lower humidity levels. This variation in the amount of water vapor in the air is an essential factor in determining weather conditions such as precipitation and humidity levels.