The water cycle is an example of the interconversion of states of matter. This means that water can exist in three states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). In the water cycle, water moves between these states through processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Here's a breakdown of the water cycle:
1. Evaporation: Water from bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers gets heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it cools and condenses into tiny droplets to form clouds.
3. Precipitation: When the droplets in the clouds combine and become heavy enough, they fall back to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. Collection: The precipitation collects in bodies of water, starting the cycle all over again.
The water cycle showcases how water can change states between solid, liquid, and gas due to factors like temperature and pressure, making it a clear example of the interconversion of states of matter.
