The water cycle step where water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere is called what?

The water cycle step where water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere is called what?

• A. Condensation
• B. Precipitation
• C. Runoff
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (D)

Evaporation is the process in which liquid water gains enough energy to become water vapor and rise into the atmosphere. When the sun heats oceans, lakes, and soils, surface water molecules gain energy and break free from the liquid, entering the air as vapor. This vapor then rises and can later cool to form clouds, continuing the water cycle. This is different from condensation (vapor turning back into liquid), precipitation (water falling to Earth as rain, snow, etc.), and runoff (water flowing over land).

Evaporation is the process in which liquid water gains enough energy to become water vapor and rise into the atmosphere. When the sun heats oceans, lakes, and soils, surface water molecules gain energy and break free from the liquid, entering the air as vapor. This vapor then rises and can later cool to form clouds, continuing the water cycle. This is different from condensation (vapor turning back into liquid), precipitation (water falling to Earth as rain, snow, etc.), and runoff (water flowing over land).