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Multiple Choice
Which stage of the water cycle is driven mainly by gravity?
A
Transpiration
B
Evaporation
C
Precipitation
D
Condensation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the water cycle: The water cycle consists of several stages, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. Each stage is driven by different forces such as solar energy or gravity.
Review the role of gravity in the water cycle: Gravity is responsible for pulling water downward, which is most evident during the precipitation stage when water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Analyze the options: Transpiration involves water movement through plants and evaporation involves water turning into vapor, both driven by solar energy. Condensation involves water vapor cooling and forming droplets, driven by temperature changes. Precipitation, however, is directly influenced by gravity as it causes water to fall to the ground.
Confirm the correct answer: Precipitation is the stage of the water cycle that is driven mainly by gravity, as gravity pulls water droplets down from clouds to the Earth's surface.
Summarize the concept: Gravity plays a crucial role in precipitation, making it distinct from other stages of the water cycle that are primarily driven by solar energy or temperature changes.