Question 1

What is the water cycle?

Accepted Answer

The water cycle is how water moves around our planet. It starts with rain from clouds, then flows into rivers, and eventually makes its way back to the sea.

Question 2

Why does it rain?

Accepted Answer

It rains because water vapor in the sky cools down and turns back into drops of water. These water drops collect in clouds and when they get too heavy, they fall as rain.

Question 3

Where does the water in rivers come from?

Accepted Answer

The water in rivers mostly comes from rain. After it rains, the water collects in small streams and flows into rivers.

Question 4

What happens to rain that doesn't go into rivers?

Accepted Answer

Rain that doesn't go into rivers can soak into the ground and help plants grow. Some of it also goes back into the air as vapor when the sun shines and warms it up.

Question 5

How do clouds form?

Accepted Answer

Clouds form when water vapor in the air cools down and sticks together to make tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These come together to make the clouds we see in the sky.

Question 6

What makes rivers flow?

Accepted Answer

Rivers flow because of gravity. Water always tries to move from high places to low places, which makes rivers move water from mountains to the sea.

Question 7

Why are rivers important?

Accepted Answer

Rivers are important because they provide water for people, animals, and plants. They also help transport goods and create energy when used for dams.

Question 8

Can rivers dry up?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rivers can dry up if there isn't enough rain or if too much water is taken out for other uses. This can happen during droughts.

Question 9

Do all rivers go into the sea?

Accepted Answer

Most rivers eventually go into the sea, but some dry up before they get there. Some rivers end in large lakes or completely dry basins.

Question 10

What is evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation is when the sun heats up water in streams, lakes, or oceans, turning it into vapor that goes into the air. It's like when puddles on the ground disappear on a sunny day.

Question 11

Why is rainwater fresh but seawater salty?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater is fresh because when water evaporates, it leaves behind the salt. The water in seas and oceans stays salty because it collects minerals and salts from the ground.

Question 12

What is a watershed?

Accepted Answer

A watershed is an area of land where all the rainwater drains downhill into a common body of water, like a river. Think of it like a big, wide bowl that catches the rain.

Question 13

How do plants use rainwater?

Accepted Answer

Plants use rainwater by absorbing it through their roots. The water helps them grow and make food using sunlight.

Question 14

What is runoff?

Accepted Answer

Runoff is the water that flows over the ground after it rains. This water moves into streams and rivers and eventually reaches lakes or the ocean.

Question 15

How do raindrops form?

Accepted Answer

Raindrops form when tiny droplets in clouds bump into each other and stick together. When they become too heavy, they fall to the ground as rain.

Question 16

How do rivers affect the land?

Accepted Answer

Rivers can change the shape of the land by carrying soil and rocks with them. Over time, this can create valleys and canyons.

Question 17

What are tributaries?

Accepted Answer

Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger river. They help add more water to the main river.

Question 18

Can people drink river water?

Accepted Answer

People can drink river water if it is clean, but it often needs to be purified first to remove dirt and germs. This makes it safe for drinking.

Question 19

What is precipitation?

Accepted Answer

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the sky, like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. It's how water in the clouds returns to the Earth.

Question 20

Why are some rivers faster than others?

Accepted Answer

Some rivers flow faster because they are steeper or have more water moving through them. Steep rivers act like a slide, making the water rush down quickly.

The Journey of Water: From Rainfall to River Flow - 20 FAQs Explained Simply