Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

In the water cycle, what occurs when water vapor cools and condenses?

1. Condensation

2. Evaporation

3. Precipitation

4. Transpiration

The correct answer is: Condensation

The process that occurs when water vapor cools and condenses is known as condensation. This is an essential part of the water cycle, where water vapor in the atmosphere loses energy as it cools, transforming into liquid water droplets. These droplets may accumulate and form clouds. When the droplets become heavy enough, they can lead to precipitation, such as rain or snow, which contributes to the cycle by returning water to the Earth’s surface. The other processes in the water cycle serve different functions. Evaporation involves the transformation of liquid water into water vapor, while transpiration refers to the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere. Consequently, these processes play unique roles, but they do not occur when water vapor cools and condenses.