Question 1: Define the term 'evaporation' as it relates to the water cycle.

Answer: Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapour, primarily caused by the heat from the sun.

Question 2: Explain how transpiration contributes to the water cycle in plants.

Answer: Transpiration is the process where water is absorbed by plant roots and then evaporates from the leaves into the atmosphere, contributing to atmospheric moisture.

Question 3: List the main stages of the water cycle in correct order.

Answer: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection, and infiltration.

Question 4: What role does solar energy play in the water cycle?

Answer: Solar energy provides the heat necessary for evaporation of water from surfaces like lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Question 1: A lake has a surface area of 2 km². If the rate of evaporation is 5 mm per day, calculate the total volume of water evaporated in one day. (Use the formula: Volume = Area × Depth, where 1 km² = 1,000,000 m² and 1 mm = 0.001 m.)

Answer: 10,000 m³

Question 1: Describe a basic experimental setup to measure the rate of evaporation from a pond. Include the variables that need to be controlled and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment could involve a shallow open container filled with water placed in an outdoor environment. Variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area should be monitored. The container should be placed on a stable surface away from direct sunlight or shade, and safety precautions include ensuring secure placement to prevent spills and handling equipment carefully.

Question 1: A report states that in a certain region, atmospheric humidity increases by 15% during the rainy season. Explain how this change in humidity impacts the water cycle, particularly in relation to cloud formation and precipitation.

Answer: An increase in humidity adds more moisture to the air, promoting cloud formation through condensation. When clouds become saturated, it leads to increased precipitation, completing the cycle and replenishing water sources.

Question 1: Discuss how engineers can design water management systems to optimise water collection and reduce wastage, considering the processes of the water cycle.

Answer: Engineers can design rainwater harvesting systems to collect runoff during precipitation, utilise permeable pavements to increase infiltration, and develop reservoirs to store water, thereby maintaining a sustainable water cycle and reducing wastage.

Question 2: Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes directly contributes to the transfer of water from plants to the atmosphere?

Answer: B) Transpiration

Question 3: Fill in the blank: The process by which water vapour condenses into liquid water forming clouds is called __________.

Answer: condensation