Question

Felix told his dad that Earth's different spheres contributed to different stages in the water cycle.He showed his dad that water travels through all the spheres. Felix also showed him that the total amount of water on Earth has stayed the same. Why has the total amount of water in the water cycle remained constant?

A. More water vapor condenses to keep the cycle in balance.
B. More precipitation falls than can evaporate and condense.
C. The rate of precipitation and evaporation are in balance.
D. The rate of evaporation competes with the balance of precipitation.

Answer 1

The total amount of water in the water cycle remains constant because the rate of precipitation and evaporation are in balance. This balance is maintained by a closed system where evaporated water eventually condenses and falls as precipitation, then either flows back into oceans or evaporates again. The correct answer is option c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why the total amount of water in the water cycle has remained constant over time is that the water cycle is a balanced system. Felix is correct in showing that the Earth's different spheres contribute to the water cycle, but the main reason for the balance is option C. The rate of precipitation and evaporation are in balance, which means that the amount of water that evaporates from the earth's surface (including ocean, land, and plants) into the atmosphere is about the same as the amount that returns as precipitation (rain or snow).

So, in the water cycle, the sun's energy drives evaporation and sublimation, turning water into vapor. This vapor eventually condenses into clouds, which lead to precipitation. The precipitated water then either runs off into streams and oceans or infiltrates the soil, potentially to evaporate again, thus maintaining the balance of water on Earth.