What do we call water that falls back to Earth from clouds in forms such as hail, rain, or snow?

The correct term for water that falls back to Earth from clouds in forms such as hail, rain, or snow is precipitation. This process is a key component of the water cycle, where water vapor condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds and then falls to Earth due to gravity. Precipitation can take various forms depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions, playing a crucial role in replenishing groundwater, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different processes in the water cycle. Evaporation pertains to the process of water turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere. Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds. Infiltration describes the process of water seeping into the ground from the surface, typically after precipitation has occurred. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role each process plays in the hydrological cycle.