In the water cycle, which process turns liquid water into water vapor?

In the water cycle, which process turns liquid water into water vapor?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Condensation
• C. Evaporation
• D. Collection/runoff

Answer: (C)

Evaporation is the change from liquid water to water vapor. When water gains heat energy, its molecules move faster, and some near the surface gain enough energy to break free and become gas in the air. This can happen at any temperature, not just when water is boiling, and it tends to go faster with more surface area, lower humidity, and wind. In the water cycle, condensation is gas turning into liquid, precipitation is rain or snow falling, and collection/runoff is water gathering in rivers, lakes, or flowing over land. The idea to remember is that evaporation is the liquid-to-gas change driven by added energy.

Evaporation is the change from liquid water to water vapor. When water gains heat energy, its molecules move faster, and some near the surface gain enough energy to break free and become gas in the air. This can happen at any temperature, not just when water is boiling, and it tends to go faster with more surface area, lower humidity, and wind. In the water cycle, condensation is gas turning into liquid, precipitation is rain or snow falling, and collection/runoff is water gathering in rivers, lakes, or flowing over land. The idea to remember is that evaporation is the liquid-to-gas change driven by added energy.