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Multiple Choice
Condensation in the water cycle can best be described as the result of water vapor:
A
absorbing sunlight and evaporating
B
cooling and changing into liquid water
C
mixing with carbon dioxide to form clouds
D
heating and turning into ice
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of condensation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools down and changes into liquid water. This is a key part of the water cycle.
Identify the conditions for condensation: Condensation occurs when water vapor loses heat (cools down) and reaches its dew point, the temperature at which it transitions from a gas to a liquid.
Eliminate incorrect options: Water vapor does not absorb sunlight and evaporate during condensation; this describes evaporation, not condensation. Similarly, water vapor does not mix with carbon dioxide to form clouds, as clouds are formed by condensed water droplets or ice crystals. Heating and turning into ice is also incorrect, as heating would not lead to ice formation.
Focus on the correct process: Cooling is the key factor in condensation. When water vapor cools, it changes into liquid water, often forming droplets on surfaces or in the atmosphere (e.g., clouds).
Conclude with the correct answer: The correct description of condensation in the water cycle is 'cooling and changing into liquid water.'