Water Cycle
The process where thermal energy moves water molecules from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again.
Matter
Any substance that has mass and takes up space.
Evaporation
Liquid changes into a gas because heat energy is absorbed and the molecules move faster
Atmosphere
The layers of gases that surround Earth (air)
Atoms
Tiny building blocks that make up all matter
Condensation
Gas changes to a liquid because heat energy is released and the molecules slow down.
Hydrosphere
All water on Earth.
Water Molecule
1 oxygen atom & 2 hydrogen atoms
Crystallization
Liquid turns into a solid because heat energy is released and the molecules slow down.
Geosphere
The solid part of Earth (rock, soil, land)
States of Matter
Solid (water molecules vibrate slowly in a tightly packed, fixed structure)
Liquid (water molecules vibrate at medium speed as they flow past each other, close together)
Gas (water molecules vibrate so fast that they separate)
Transpiration
The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, usually through their leaves.
Biosphere
All living things on Earth (ex: plants and animals).
Thermal Energy
Heat energy
Cellular Respiration
The process in cells where water and carbon dioxide are produced, and the water is released into the atmosphere (ex: when animals breathe out).