Podcast
Questions and Answers
The process of a liquid changing into a ______ is called evaporation.
The process of a liquid changing into a ______ is called evaporation.
gas
The temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor is called the ______ point.
The temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor is called the ______ point.
dew
The water cycle consists of three main stages: evaporation, ______, and precipitation.
The water cycle consists of three main stages: evaporation, ______, and precipitation.
condensation
The ______ of a gas changing into a liquid is called condensation.
The ______ of a gas changing into a liquid is called condensation.
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Evaporation occurs when the temperature and ______ of the air are suitable.
Evaporation occurs when the temperature and ______ of the air are suitable.
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The formation of water droplets in the atmosphere that fall to the Earth's surface is known as ______.
The formation of water droplets in the atmosphere that fall to the Earth's surface is known as ______.
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The weight of the air in the atmosphere exerts a force known as ______ pressure.
The weight of the air in the atmosphere exerts a force known as ______ pressure.
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Higher ______ increases precipitation, as it allows for more water vapor in the air.
Higher ______ increases precipitation, as it allows for more water vapor in the air.
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Water that falls to the ground as ______ has a temperature below freezing when it reaches the ground.
Water that falls to the ground as ______ has a temperature below freezing when it reaches the ground.
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High ______ systems are associated with fair weather and sinking air.
High ______ systems are associated with fair weather and sinking air.
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Study Notes
Evaporation
- The process of a liquid (water) changing into a gas (water vapor)
- Occurs when the temperature and humidity of the air are suitable
- Factors that influence evaporation:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase evaporation rate
- Humidity: Lower humidity increases evaporation rate
- Wind: Increased wind speed increases evaporation rate
- Surface area: Larger surface area increases evaporation rate
Condensation
- The process of a gas (water vapor) changing into a liquid (water)
- Occurs when the air reaches its dew point (the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor)
- Factors that influence condensation:
- Temperature: Lower temperatures increase condensation rate
- Humidity: Higher humidity increases condensation rate
- Presence of condensation nuclei (e.g. dust, salt)
Water Cycle
- The continuous process by which water is circulated between the Earth and the atmosphere
- Consists of three main stages:
- Evaporation: Water is evaporated from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere
- Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into clouds
- Precipitation: Water from clouds falls back to the Earth's surface
- Other stages: Runoff, infiltration, and transpiration
Precipitation
- The formation of water droplets in the atmosphere that fall to the Earth's surface
- Types of precipitation:
- Rain: Liquid droplets
- Snow: Ice crystals
- Sleet: Rain droplets that freeze before reaching the ground
- Hail: Upward-moving water droplets that freeze into ice balls
- Factors that influence precipitation:
- Temperature: Cooler temperatures increase precipitation
- Humidity: Higher humidity increases precipitation
- Wind: Wind direction and speed influence precipitation patterns
Atmospheric Pressure
- The pressure exerted by the weight of the air in the atmosphere
- Measured in units of pressure (e.g. millibars, inches of mercury)
- Factors that influence atmospheric pressure:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures decrease atmospheric pressure
- Humidity: Higher humidity decreases atmospheric pressure
- Altitude: Higher altitudes decrease atmospheric pressure
- High and low-pressure systems:
- High pressure: Associated with fair weather and sinking air
- Low pressure: Associated with bad weather and rising air
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Earth's water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, as well as atmospheric pressure and its factors.
