Which process in the water cycle involves water vapor turning into liquid water in the atmosphere?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Condensation
• C. Precipitation
• D. Collection/Runoff

Answer: (B)

Condensation is when water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water. In the atmosphere, rising moist air cools, and once it reaches the dew point, the invisible vapor forms tiny liquid droplets that cluster into clouds. This step is what makes clouds form and eventually leads to precipitation. It’s different from evaporation, which turns liquid water at the surface into vapor; precipitation, which is water falling from clouds; and collection/runoff, which is water gathering on land after precipitation.