Evaporation
While the water cycle does not actually have a starting point, we will begin our exploration with evaporation. Evaporation is the process of liquid water from oceans, rivers, lake, ponds and more, turning into water vapor. During evaporation, the sun heats the water until it turns into gas. This gaseous water is known as vapor, and it is evaporated, or travels into the air. Once evaporated, the water molecules will spend about ten days in the air.
Plants also contribute to the water cycle. As the sun heats plants, water is evaporated from their leaves and enters the atmosphere. This process is a little different from evaporation, and is known as transpiration. There are some factors that influence the rate of evaporation. For example, when there is higher wind speed or higher temperature, evaporation occurs faster. |
Did you know that boiling water on the stove is a great example of evaporation?
As the water is heated by the stove, the liquid water molecules move around and gain enough energy to change into water vapor. This water vapor can be seen as steam, which is shown in the picture to the left.
Next time some one in your family is boiling water, see if you can spot the evaporation taking place!
As the water is heated by the stove, the liquid water molecules move around and gain enough energy to change into water vapor. This water vapor can be seen as steam, which is shown in the picture to the left.
Next time some one in your family is boiling water, see if you can spot the evaporation taking place!