Arrange the steps of the water cycle in the correct order. (a) Evaporation (b) Rain (precipitation) (c) Sea (source of water) (d) Clouds (condensation)

Introduction / Context:
The hydrologic cycle describes continuous movement of water on Earth. Ordering its stages requires understanding physical processes: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sea is a major reservoir of liquid water.
• Evaporation turns liquid water into vapor.
• Clouds form when vapor condenses.
• Rain is precipitation from clouds.

Concept / Approach:
Start at the reservoir: Sea -> Evaporation -> Clouds (condensation) -> Rain. This respects thermodynamic transitions and atmospheric processes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Sea (c) as water source.Step 2: Evaporation (a) due to heat.Step 3: Clouds (d) form by condensation.Step 4: Rain (b) falls as precipitation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Geography curricula depict the same cycle; no stage can logically be skipped or swapped without breaking physics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option that puts rain before cloud formation or evaporation before having a water source is inconsistent.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that clouds represent condensation, not just “water in the sky,” and that precipitation requires prior cloud formation.

Final Answer:
c, a, d, b