Question 1

What happens to rainwater after it falls from the sky?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater can soak into the ground, flow into rivers and lakes, or be used by plants and animals. Some of it also goes back into the air as vapor.

Question 2

How does water get from rivers to the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Water from rivers flows downhill and eventually meets larger bodies of water like lakes and seas. These then connect to the ocean, so the water travels there.

Question 3

Can rainwater become drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rainwater can be cleaned and turned into drinking water. This usually happens through natural filtering in the ground or by using special filters.

Question 4

Why does it rain?

Accepted Answer

Rain happens when water vapor in the air cools and turns back into water droplets. These droplets get heavy and fall to the ground as rain.

Question 5

What is evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation is when water changes from a liquid to a gas and goes up into the air. It happens when the sun warms lakes, rivers, or wet ground.

Question 6

What role do clouds play in the water journey?

Accepted Answer

Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals. They collect moisture from evaporation and bring it together, eventually letting it fall as rain.

Question 7

What's the path of water called?

Accepted Answer

The journey of water is called the 'water cycle'. It includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Question 8

How does water get into the ground?

Accepted Answer

Water can seep into the ground through a process called infiltration. It fills spaces in the soil and can eventually reach underground water sources.

Question 9

What is condensation?

Accepted Answer

Condensation is when water vapor in the air cools and turns back into liquid water. This is how clouds are formed.

Question 10

Why are oceans salty, but rain isn’t?

Accepted Answer

Oceans are salty because they collect minerals and salt from the land that rivers wash into them. When water evaporates to make rain, the salt stays in the ocean.

Question 11

Does all rain end up in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Not all rainwater makes it to the ocean. Some stays in the ground, some is used by living things, and some evaporates back into the air.

Question 12

How do plants use rainwater?

Accepted Answer

Plants drink rainwater through their roots. They use it to grow and to make food in a process called photosynthesis.

Question 13

What is a river?

Accepted Answer

A river is a large stream of water that flows across the land. It collects water from rain and melting snow and often leads to the sea or ocean.

Question 14

How do animals use water?

Accepted Answer

Animals need water to stay alive. They drink it, use it for bathing, and it helps cool them down when they're hot.

Question 15

How does water vapor turn back into liquid water?

Accepted Answer

When water vapor cools, it turns back into tiny droplets of liquid water. This is called condensation and it's what makes clouds and dew.

Question 16

What happens when too much rain falls at once?

Accepted Answer

When too much rain falls, it can cause floods. This means the water has nowhere to go and can cover roads and land.

Question 17

Can water disappear?

Accepted Answer

Water never really disappears; it just changes form. It goes from liquid to gas to solid in different parts of the water cycle.

Question 18

What does a watershed do?

Accepted Answer

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to a common point, like a river or ocean. It's like a big funnel that collects water from a large area.

Question 19

What is precipitation?

Accepted Answer

Precipitation is when water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. It's how water comes back down to Earth from the atmosphere.

Question 20

Why is the water cycle important?

Accepted Answer

The water cycle is important because it provides fresh water to all living things. It helps regulate the climate and supports ecosystems everywhere.

The Journey of Water: From Rain to Ocean - 20 FAQs Explained Simply