Page 226 - Big Ideas Year 10 sciPAD 2025

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226 SCIPAD - BIG IDEAS - BOOK 2
EARTH SYSTEMS
Modelling the Water Cycle
The water cycle is a constant cycle of evaporation, condensation and
precipitation. Because water cannot escape from our atmosphere, the total
volume of water on Earth today is the same volume of water on Earth when the
dinosaurs were alive.
Aim: To observe the basic processes of the water cycle.
Equipment: 250 mL beaker, crucible, ice cubes, Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze
mat.
Method: 1. Fill the beaker with approximately 100 mL of water and place
on a tripod over a Bunsen burner.
2. Fill the watch glass with a few pieces of ice and leave it on the
bench.
3. Light the Bunsen burner and heat the water until it just starts to
simmer. Do not boil the water.
4. Turn the Bunsen burner off and gently place the watch glass
and ice on top of the beaker.
Observations: 




1. State the energy source that drives the water cycle. 
2. Is water vapour visible? 
3. Describe two ways water can enter the atmosphere.
(a) 
(b) 
4. Explain how water vapour in the atmosphere ends up returning to the surface of Earth.





5. List four types of precipitation: (a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
6. Water is constantly being evaporated from the sea surface, but the sea level remains fairly
constant. Explain why the sea level does not fall. 





Hot water