Understanding Condensation and Precipitation

Forms of Precipitation

• Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all considered forms of precipitation.

Condensation

• Condensation is the process of water vapor (gas) turning into liquid water.
• It occurs when water vapor is cooled off enough.
• Examples include condensation on the outside of a cold cup and in clouds, which leads to rain formation.

Evaporation

• Evaporation is the process of water being heated, causing its molecules to defy gravity and break away from one another.
• It occurs whenever there is liquid water around.
• Evaporation changes water from a liquid to a gas called water vapor.

Transpiration

• Transpiration is the process by which water absorbed by plant roots evaporates directly out of their leaves.
• It is a normal process for plants and is an important part of the photosynthesis reaction.

Runoff

• Runoff occurs when rain falls or snow melts, and water moves downwards due to gravity.
• Runoff water can form rivers, lakes, or soak into the ground.

Plant Uptake

• Plant uptake is the process by which water is absorbed by the roots of plants.

Percolation

• Percolation is the process by which water sinks into the ground to become groundwater.
• Groundwater is a collection of freshwater trapped underground, often accessed through wells or porous rocks.

River Discharge and Collection

• After water moves downwards through runoff, it collects at the lowest point, forming lakes and oceans.
• This water becomes a major source for evaporation, leading to the formation of clouds and weather patterns.

Water Cycle

• Water is constantly on the move, cycling between rivers, oceans, plants, and the air.
• The water cycle involves evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and is crucial for life on Earth.

States of Matter

• Matter has three main forms: solid, liquid, and gas.
• Water is unique in that it can change form easily, making it able to move around more than most other materials.

Water's Importance

• Water is essential for life, making up a large part of living organisms.
• Humans use water for drinking, cleaning, and recreation, and it is also vital for plants and other organisms.