Exploring the Water Cycle

What is the process called when water changes from a liquid to a gas?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

The process when water changes from a liquid to a gas is called evaporation. This occurs when water molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid state and enter the gaseous state.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is a type of precipitation?

• Fog

• Dew

• Rain

• Mist

Answer explanation

Rain is a type of precipitation, which refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere. Fog, dew, and mist are not classified as precipitation.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

List the stages of the water cycle in the correct order starting from evaporation.

• Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Collection

• Condensation, Evaporation, Collection, Precipitation

• Collection, Precipitation, Evaporation, Condensation

• Precipitation, Collection, Condensation, Evaporation

Answer explanation

The correct order of the water cycle starts with evaporation, where water turns into vapor. This is followed by condensation, forming clouds, then precipitation as rain or snow, and finally collection in bodies of water.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the primary source of energy that drives the water cycle?

• Wind

• Sun

• Moon

• Earth's core

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy that drives the water cycle is the Sun. It heats water in oceans and lakes, causing evaporation, which is essential for the cycle of precipitation and condensation.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain how groundwater is different from surface water.

• Groundwater is found in rivers, while surface water is found in lakes.

• Groundwater is stored in underground aquifers, while surface water is found in bodies like rivers and lakes.

• Groundwater is always cleaner than surface water.

• Groundwater is only found in deserts.

Answer explanation

Groundwater is stored in underground aquifers, making it distinct from surface water, which is found in visible bodies like rivers and lakes. This highlights the key difference in their locations.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is NOT a stage of the water cycle?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Photosynthesis

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, not a stage of the water cycle. The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does climate change impact the water cycle?

• It decreases the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

• It increases the frequency and intensity of precipitation events.

• It stops the process of evaporation.

• It has no impact on the water cycle.

Answer explanation

Climate change leads to increased temperatures, which enhance evaporation and result in more water vapor. This contributes to more frequent and intense precipitation events, making the correct choice about its impact on the water cycle.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What happens during the condensation stage of the water cycle?

• Water vapor turns into liquid water.

• Liquid water turns into water vapor.

• Water falls to the ground as precipitation.

• Water is absorbed by plants.

Answer explanation

During the condensation stage of the water cycle, water vapor cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds. This process is essential for precipitation to occur later.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere.

• Evaporation

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. This is distinct from evaporation, which involves water turning into vapor from any surface.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe how surface water can become groundwater.

• Through evaporation

• By flowing into the ocean

• By seeping through the soil and into aquifers

• By being absorbed by plants

Answer explanation

Surface water becomes groundwater by seeping through the soil and into aquifers. This process allows water to infiltrate the ground, replenishing underground water supplies, unlike evaporation or absorption by plants.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept