In the water cycle, which process typically follows evaporation?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Precipitation
• C. Condensation
• D. Collection

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the sequence of phase changes in the water cycle. After evaporation, water vapor rises and cools. As it cools, the vapor loses enough energy to change back into a liquid, forming tiny droplets that gather into clouds. This process is condensation, and it typically follows evaporation. Precipitation occurs after condensation when those droplets grow too large and fall as rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation. Infiltration and collection describe later parts of the cycle—water soaking into the ground and gathering in bodies of water—not the immediate next step after evaporation.