Question

The water cycle is driven by energy from the Sun and by gravity. Which of the following statements best explains the roles of energy from the Sun and gravity in the water cycle?

Answer 1

Although there are no statements provided, this can be easily explained by understanding evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water.

The sun is responsible for evaporating water by providing heat. When water becomes gas (hot air), it rises into the sky or atmosphere. Here, the hot water vapor (hot air) condenses because of the relatively cooler temperature. This now forms what we know as clouds. These clouds stay above because they are very light. When enough water vapor condenses, the clouds becomes heavy. Gravity now plays a role by pulling the relatively heavier clouds down and, along with some changes in temperature, the gaseous form of water (clouds) precipitates to the liquid form as rain. This rain goes back to huge bodies of water and waits to be evaporated once again thus continuing the cycle.