Question

in the water cycle, water molecules absorb thermal energy from the sun, causing them to evaporate from lakes and oceans and rise into the atmosphere. eventually, they form clouds and then precipitation. which statement describes the activity of the water molecules in this process? oa the molecules move so fast that they break the bonds holding them together and turn into a gas. as they rise to cooler temperatures, they slow down and rejoin to form water droplets. ob the molecules separate into atoms of hydrogen and oxygen gas. because these atoms are smaller than the surrounding air particles, they rise and reach cooler temperatures, where they rejoin to form water molecules. oc the molecules at the surface of the water reach the boiling point when they move so fast that they break the surface tension and turn into steam. the steam rises to high altitudes, where it cools and condenses into clouds. od the molecules at the surface of the water reach the boiling point and separate into atoms of hydrogen and oxygen gas. because these atoms are smaller than the surrounding air particles, they rise and reach cooler temperatures, where they rejoin to form water molecules.

Explanation:

Evaporation in the water - cycle is a physical change where water molecules gain enough energy to break intermolecular forces and turn into gas (water vapor). They don't break into hydrogen and oxygen atoms. When they rise to higher altitudes with cooler temperatures, they slow down and condense to form water droplets.

Answer:

A. The molecules move so fast that they break the bonds holding them together and turn into a gas. As they rise to cooler temperatures, they slow down and rejoin to form water droplets.