Water Nuggets Practice Exam

The transformation of liquid water into water vapor is known as evaporation. This process involves the conversion of liquid molecules into gas as they gain energy, typically from heat. When water is exposed to air or heat, molecules at the surface of the liquid absorb energy and move faster, eventually overcoming the forces holding them together in the liquid state. As these molecules escape into the atmosphere, they become water vapor.

Evaporation plays a crucial role in the water cycle, contributing to the formation of clouds and precipitation later on. Understanding this process is essential for grasping how moisture is distributed in the environment.

The other processes listed do not describe the transformation from liquid to vapor. Condensation refers to the opposite process, where water vapor turns back into liquid. Precipitation involves water falling from the atmosphere to the surface in various forms, such as rain, snow, or sleet. Infiltration is the process of water penetrating into the soil, typically after precipitation occurs.