Summary
The Water Cycle is the continuous movement of water from the Earth to the sky and back to the Earth.
- Evaporation — Water gains heat and evaporates to form water vapour. Example: Water in rivers evaporates when heated by the sun.
- Condensation — Water vapour loses heat and condenses to form tiny water droplets. Example: Water droplets gather to form clouds as they rise to cooler air.
- Precipitation — When clouds become too heavy, they release water as rain. Example: Rain falls from clouds when they are saturated.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Evaporation: The process where water turns into vapour.
- Condensation: The process where water vapour turns into liquid droplets.
- Precipitation: The process where water falls from clouds as rain.
Common Confusions
- Confusing evaporation with condensation.
- Thinking precipitation only refers to rain, not other forms like snow or hail.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is evaporation? Evaporation is the process where water turns into vapour.
- How do clouds form? Clouds form when water vapour condenses into tiny droplets.
- What happens during precipitation? During precipitation, water falls from clouds as rain, snow, or hail.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of each stage of the water cycle.
- The role of the water cycle in nature and its importance to life.