Science Vocabulary: Energy, Water Cycle, and Ecology

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering fundamental concepts of energy, the water cycle, and ecology.

Energy

The ability to do work or create change.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy can change form, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle)

The continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back.

Evaporation

When energy is added to liquid water, turning it into a gas.

Condensation

When energy is removed from a gas, turning it to liquid.

Precipitation

Water falling from the sky as rain, sleet, snow, or hail.

Ecology

The study of how living things interact with each other and their environment.

Ecosystem

All of the living and nonliving things in an environment, as well as their interactions.

Biotic Factors

The living things in an area.

Abiotic Factors

The nonliving things in an area.