Final answer:
During evaporation in the water cycle, water vapor rises because it has a lower density than the surrounding air, facilitating its ascent into the atmosphere where it can condense to form clouds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of evaporation in the water cycle involves water on Earth's surface changing to water vapor. When the Sun heats the water, it gives water molecules enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as vapor. One key aspect of this change is the properties of water in its different states—solid, liquid, and gas. During evaporation, water vapor, which is the gaseous form of water, rises because it is less dense than the surrounding air. The density of a substance is determined by its mass per unit volume. In the case of water vapor, its molecules are more spread out and move more rapidly than in its liquid state, resulting in a lower density. Hence, the correct reason for water vapor rising during evaporation is that it has a lower density compared to the air around it.
Considering the answer choices, B) is incorrect because although water vapor is lighter, the correct scientific term is 'less dense'. A) is incorrect as it suggests a larger weight which would not cause rising. D) is also incorrect because a higher density would result in sinking, not rising. Therefore, the final answer is C) It has a lower density than the air around it. This property allows water vapor to rise, cool, and eventually condense to form clouds, which is also an integral part of the water cycle leading to precipitation.