Question

precipitation: when the droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall back to earth as precipitation. this can happen as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. what happens during precipitation in the water cycle? water changes from liquid to gas and rises into the air. water droplets become heavy and fall to earth as rain or snow. water changes directly from ice to vapor without melting. water vapor cools and forms clouds in the atmosphere.

Explanation:

The question asks what happens during precipitation in the water cycle. The text at the top of the image clearly states "When the droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall back to Earth as precipitation. This can happen as rain, snow, sleet, or hail." Among the options, "Water droplets become heavy and fall to Earth as rain or snow" matches this description. The first option describes evaporation (water changing from liquid to gas), the third option describes sublimation (water changing directly from ice to vapor), and the fourth option describes condensation (water vapor cooling and forming clouds). Only the second option correctly represents precipitation.

Answer:

Water droplets become heavy and fall to Earth as rain or snow.