What happens during evaporation in the water cycle?

• A. Water freezes into ice
• B. Water turns into vapor
• C. Water falls as precipitation
• D. Water accumulates in rivers

Answer: (B)

During evaporation in the water cycle, water turns into vapor, which is the correct process being described. This vital step occurs when the sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing it to change from a liquid state to a gaseous state. As the temperature rises, molecules of water gain energy and move faster, eventually escaping into the air as water vapor. This process contributes significantly to the overall water cycle by allowing moisture to rise into the atmosphere, where it can later condense and lead to precipitation. In contrast, the other options describe different phases of the water cycle that do not occur during evaporation.