Which of the following processes in the water cycle is primarily responsible for the formation of dew on surfaces in the morning?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the water cycle: The water cycle consists of processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. Each process plays a role in the movement of water through the environment.
2. Define condensation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools down and changes into liquid water. This typically occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cooler surface, causing the water vapor to lose energy and condense.
3. Relate condensation to dew formation: Dew forms when the temperature of a surface (like grass or leaves) drops overnight, often due to radiative cooling. As the air near the surface cools, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny droplets of liquid water, creating dew.
4. Eliminate other options: Precipitation refers to water falling from the atmosphere (e.g., rain or snow), which is not related to dew formation. Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants, and evaporation is the process of liquid water turning into vapor. Neither of these directly causes dew formation.
5. Conclude that condensation is the correct process: Based on the explanation, condensation is the primary process responsible for the formation of dew on surfaces in the morning.