Consider the following statements about the "water cycle": 1. The water cycle is primarily driven by the heat of the sun. 2. The presence of water vapour in the air hinders the water cycle. 3. Air acts as a medium for the transport of water vapour. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The water cycle, or hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water within the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the exchange of energy and matter between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere, driven by physical forces. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The water cycle is primarily driven by solar energy. The heat from the sun provides the latent heat required for evaporation from water bodies and transpiration from plants, initiating the cycle. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water vapour is not a hindrance but a fundamental state of water within the cycle. It is the gaseous form that allows water to rise into the atmosphere. While high humidity (saturation) decreases the rate of evaporation, the presence of water vapour is essential for cloud formation (condensation) and precipitation, without which the cycle cannot exist. - Statement 3 is Correct: The atmosphere (air) acts as the transport medium. Winds and air currents move water vapour across the globe (advection), allowing moisture evaporated from oceans to be transported over land where it precipitates. Key Takeaway: The hydrological cycle relies on solar energy to change the state of water (liquid to gas) and the atmosphere to transport this moisture, ensuring global water distribution.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 2: Air around us

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Consider the following statements about the "water cycle":

The water cycle is primarily driven by the heat of the sun.
The presence of water vapour in the air hinders the water cycle.
Air acts as a medium for the transport of water vapour.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The water cycle, or hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water within the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the exchange of energy and matter between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere, driven by physical forces.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The water cycle is primarily driven by solar energy. The heat from the sun provides the latent heat required for evaporation from water bodies and transpiration from plants, initiating the cycle.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water vapour is not a hindrance but a fundamental state of water within the cycle. It is the gaseous form that allows water to rise into the atmosphere. While high humidity (saturation) decreases the rate of evaporation, the presence of water vapour is essential for cloud formation (condensation) and precipitation, without which the cycle cannot exist.
Statement 3 is Correct: The atmosphere (air) acts as the transport medium. Winds and air currents move water vapour across the globe (advection), allowing moisture evaporated from oceans to be transported over land where it precipitates.

Key Takeaway:
The hydrological cycle relies on solar energy to change the state of water (liquid to gas) and the atmosphere to transport this moisture, ensuring global water distribution.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Air around us

Consider the following statements regarding the atmosphere: 1. It is a thin layer of air that surrounds the earth. 2. It extends only up to 10 km above the surface of the earth. 3. The air becomes denser as we move higher in the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the composition of air, consider the following statements: 1. Nitrogen and oxygen together make up approximately 99% of the air. 2. Carbon dioxide constitutes the majority of the remaining 1% of air. 3. The composition of air varies from place to place. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding water vapour in the air: 1. Air contains water vapour only during the rainy season. 2. When air comes in contact with a cool surface, water vapour condenses. 3. The presence of water vapour in air is essential for the water cycle in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the burning of fuel and its by-products, consider the following statements: 1. Burning can occur in the absence of oxygen if nitrogen is present. 2. Burning of fuel produces smoke which contains a few gases and fine dust particles. 3. Smoke produced by burning fuel is generally beneficial to respiratory health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "dust particles" in the air: 1. Dust particles are always present in the air. 2. The presence of dust particles in air is constant irrespective of time and place. 3. Breathing through the mouth can allow harmful dust particles to enter the body. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The water cycle is primarily driven by solar energy. The heat from the sun provides the latent heat required for evaporation from water bodies and transpiration from plants, initiating the cycle.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water vapour is not a hindrance but a fundamental state of water within the cycle. It is the gaseous form that allows water to rise into the atmosphere. While high humidity (saturation) decreases the rate of evaporation, the presence of water vapour is essential for cloud formation (condensation) and precipitation, without which the cycle cannot exist.
Statement 3 is Correct: The atmosphere (air) acts as the transport medium. Winds and air currents move water vapour across the globe (advection), allowing moisture evaporated from oceans to be transported over land where it precipitates.

Key Takeaway:
The hydrological cycle relies on solar energy to change the state of water (liquid to gas) and the atmosphere to transport this moisture, ensuring global water distribution.