TeXes Science Practice Test

What process describes water falling to the earth under the influence of gravity?

1. Evaporation

2. Condensation

3. Precipitation

4. Transpiration

The correct answer is: Precipitation

The process that describes water falling to the Earth under the influence of gravity is precipitation. This term encompasses various forms of water, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that return to the surface of the Earth from the atmosphere. Precipitation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere cools, condenses into water droplets, and becomes heavy enough so that gravity pulls it downward. This is a critical part of the water cycle, as it allows water to return to Earth's surface, replenishing ecosystems, hydrating plants, and providing freshwater sources for various life forms. While the other terms relate to different stages of the water cycle, they do not describe this specific process. Evaporation refers to the transition of water from liquid to vapor, condensation is the process of gas transforming back into a liquid, and transpiration involves the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere. Each of these plays a role in the water cycle but does not involve gravity acting on water falling to the ground.