Grade 7

Grade 7Water and its importance


Water cycle and its importance


Water is one of the most important substances on Earth and is essential for the existence of all living things. In chemistry, especially for class 7 students, it is important to understand the water cycle and its importance. It not only gives information about how water interacts with different phases of the environment, but it also explains the amazing and continuous process that keeps our planet functioning.

What is the water cycle?

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. This cycle is driven by solar energy and involves various processes that help maintain the balance of water on our planet. The main processes involved in the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.

Evaporation

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. It occurs mainly in oceans, seas, lakes or rivers when the water is heated by the sun.

H 2 O (liquid) → H 2 O (vapor)

Heat from the sun gives energy to water molecules, causing them to vibrate faster and eventually escape into the air as water vapor.

H2O

Visual example: The circle above shows a water molecule gaining energy and turning into vapor.

Condensation

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air turns back into liquid water. This process is important for cloud formation.

H 2 O (vapor) → H 2 O (liquid)

When warm air rises, it cools and loses its ability to hold water vapor. As a result, the excess water vapor condenses to form tiny water droplets, forming clouds.

Clouds

Visual example: The ellipse represents clouds made of condensed water droplets.

Precipitation

Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds combine to form larger droplets that become too heavy to be suspended in the air, and fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet or hail. This process is an important part of the water cycle because it returns water to the Earth's surface.

Rain

Visual example: Lines represent rain as water droplets falling from the sky.

Infiltration and runoff

Once the water reaches the ground, it can seep into the soil to raise the groundwater table or flow to the surface as runoff.

Infiltration refers to the process where water penetrates the soil – this recharges underground water systems such as aquifers.

Runoff, on the other hand, refers to the movement of surface water. When it rains, not all of it soaks into the ground and instead flows over the surface into water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Field Drainage

Visual example: The blue line represents runoff flowing onto the ground.

Importance of the water cycle

The water cycle plays a vital role in maintaining environmental stability and supporting human life and ecosystems. Here are some important reasons why it is important:

1. Water renewal and supply

The water cycle ensures that water on Earth is constantly supplied and renewed. Without it, we would run out of fresh water very quickly.

For example, when it rains, new water comes into lakes, rivers and reservoirs, which are sources of freshwater for daily use.

2. Climate regulation

Evaporation and condensation of water help regulate the Earth's temperature and play an important role in weather patterns.

For example, evaporation from the oceans regulates temperature by absorbing heat, while condensation releases heat, affecting climatic conditions.

3. Helpful in plant growth

Rainfall (a portion of precipitation) provides the water needed by plants, which is important for photosynthesis. Plants use carbon dioxide and water to make oxygen and glucose in the manner shown below:

6 CO 2 + 6 H 2 O + light energy → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2

4. Nurturing the ecosystem

The water cycle supports ecosystems by maintaining moisture in soil, providing habitats in water bodies, and ensuring the distribution of nutrients.

Aquatic organisms depend on water bodies, while fauna depend on flora obtained from adequate water supply.

Let us look at the forest ecosystem:

Tree

Visual example: The circle represents trees that depend on rainwater for growth.

In short, the water cycle is fundamental to maintaining life, weather and natural processes on Earth. It ensures that water is constantly cleaned, recycled and made available to support various forms of life and environmental functions. Understanding this process gives grade 7 students a basis for appreciating the role of water in chemistry and environmental science.

Conclusion

The water cycle is one of the Earth's vital systems that reflects the profound interconnectedness of nature. Its processes - evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration and runoff - show how water moves through different parts of our planet, renewing and nourishing the environment in an endless cycle.

This complex natural process not only ensures the availability of fresh water, supports plant growth, and maintains ecosystems, but also regulates climate and influences weather patterns. By appreciating the water cycle and its importance, students gain a greater understanding of how delicate and balanced our world is. Such awareness is vital to appreciating and preserving water resources that are vital to life on Earth.


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