Which statement best describes the water cycle? A. When liquid is heated enough to change to a gas, it is called precipitation B. When liquid is heated enough to change to a gas, it is called evaporation C. When liquid is heated enough to change to a gas, it is called condensation. D. When liquid is heated enough to change to a gas, it is called groundwater.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. When liquid is heated enough to change to a gas, it is called evaporation.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It involves several key processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration. The water cycle is driven by energy from the Sun, which causes water to change states between liquid, gas, and solid.
Evaporation is the process in which liquid water is heated by the Sun and turns into water vapor, a gas. This happens when the water molecules at the surface gain enough energy to break free from the liquid state and enter the atmosphere. Evaporation typically occurs from bodies of water like oceans, rivers, and lakes, and it is a crucial part of the water cycle, returning water vapor to the air.
Condensation is the opposite of evaporation. In this process, water vapor in the air cools down and changes back into liquid droplets. This happens when warm, moist air rises and cools as it reaches higher altitudes. These droplets gather and form clouds, which are the result of condensed water vapor.
Precipitation occurs when the clouds become saturated with water droplets. Once the droplets are too heavy to stay suspended in the air, they fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Finally, infiltration occurs when water from precipitation seeps into the ground and replenishes groundwater supplies, contributing to the overall movement of water through the environment.
In summary, evaporation is the correct term for the process when liquid is heated enough to change into a gas. It is a critical part of the water cycle, responsible for transferring water from Earth’s surface to the atmosphere.
