Study Guide: The Water Cycle ■■
Key Stages
1 Evaporation – Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into water vapor due to the sun’s
heat.
2 Condensation – Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
3 Precipitation – Water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4 Collection – Water gathers again in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Important Facts
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The sun is the main energy source driving the cycle.
Plants contribute through transpiration (release of water vapor).
The water cycle is a closed system: water is continuously reused.
Quick Quiz
1 What process changes liquid water into vapor?
2 Name one form of precipitation.
3 What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?