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Multiple Choice
Which step in the water cycle occurs when gaseous water vapor turns back to liquid water in clouds?
A
Transpiration
B
Precipitation
C
Evaporation
D
Condensation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the water cycle: The water cycle is a continuous process that involves the movement of water through various states (solid, liquid, and gas) and locations (atmosphere, surface, and underground). Key processes include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration.
Focus on the process described in the question: The problem asks about the step where gaseous water vapor turns back into liquid water in clouds. This transformation involves a change in state from gas to liquid.
Define condensation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools down and changes into liquid water. This typically occurs when warm air rises, cools, and loses its capacity to hold water vapor, leading to the formation of water droplets in clouds.
Differentiate condensation from other processes: Transpiration refers to water loss from plants, evaporation is the conversion of liquid water to water vapor, and precipitation is the falling of water (rain, snow, etc.) from clouds. None of these describe the conversion of water vapor to liquid water in clouds.
Conclude that condensation is the correct step in the water cycle where gaseous water vapor turns back into liquid water in clouds.