Which process allows water to enter the atmosphere from the surface of lakes, rivers, and oceans?

• A. Condensation
• B. Evaporation
• C. Precipitation
• D. Freezing

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question by identifying the process that allows water to move from the surface of lakes, rivers, and oceans into the atmosphere. This involves the water cycle, a fundamental concept in biology and environmental science.
2. Step 2: Review the definitions of the processes listed in the options: Condensation (the change of water vapor to liquid), Precipitation (water falling to the ground as rain, snow, etc.), Freezing (the change of liquid water to solid ice), and Evaporation (the change of liquid water to water vapor).
3. Step 3: Focus on evaporation, which is the process where liquid water absorbs energy (usually from sunlight) and transitions into water vapor, entering the atmosphere.
4. Step 4: Recognize that evaporation is driven by heat energy, which increases the kinetic energy of water molecules, allowing them to escape the liquid surface and become gas molecules in the atmosphere.
5. Step 5: Conclude that evaporation is the correct process for water entering the atmosphere from the surface of lakes, rivers, and oceans, as it matches the description provided in the question.