Question

biogeochemical cycles: the water cycle
match the picture to each process and then describe what is happening
to the water molecules in that process.
evaporation
transpiration
condensation
percolation
water molecules
are evaporating
from the leaf
through tiny
pores (holes)
called stomata.
water molecules
are losing energy
through cooling
and are changing
from a gas to a
liquid
water molecules
are squeezing
through the soil
layer through
gaps/pores
between
particles
water molecules
are gaining
energy through
heating and are
changing from a
liquid to a gas

Explanation:

• Evaporation: Water molecules are gaining energy through heating and are changing from a liquid to a gas. This is depicted in the first image where water (liquid) is turning into vapor (gas) as it gains energy (represented by the wavy lines indicating heat).
• Percolation: Water molecules are squeezing through the soil layer through gaps/pores between particles. The second image shows water moving through what appears to be soil (represented by the brown area with gaps), which is the process of percolation.
• Condensation: Water molecules are changing from a gas to a liquid. Although not shown in the given four images (but based on the water - cycle knowledge related to the terms), condensation is the reverse of evaporation where water vapor cools and turns back into liquid.
• Transpiration: Water molecules are losing energy through cooling and are evaporating from the leaf through tiny pores (holes) called stomata. The fourth image shows a leaf, which is the site of transpiration as water is released from the plant through its leaves.

Answer:

• Evaporation: First image - Water molecules gain energy (heat), change from liquid to gas.
• Percolation: Second image - Water squeezes through soil layer (gaps between particles).
• Condensation: (Not in the four given images but conceptually) - Water vapor (gas) cools, changes to liquid.
• Transpiration: Fourth image - Water evaporates from leaf (through stomata, losing energy).