What is the term for water that falls from clouds?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Condensation
• C. Precipitation
• D. Transpiration

Answer: (C)

The term for water that falls from clouds is precipitation. This process encompasses various forms of water, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that fall to the Earth's surface due to gravity. Precipitation occurs when the water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to overcome the upward forces of air and fall to the ground. This cycle is a critical part of the water cycle, which also includes evaporation (where water turns into vapor), condensation (the process of water vapor cooling and forming droplets), and transpiration (where plants release water vapor into the air). Understanding precipitation is essential for grasping how weather patterns develop and how ecosystems depend on water availability.