environmental science a - unit 2: earth systems
how is the water cycle powered?
it is powered by the sun
what happens to the matter that makes up rocks in the rock cycle?
it is recycled in the environment.
which best defines carbon dioxide?
it is the resulting molecule when one carbon atom bonds to two oxygen atoms.
match each ocean feature with the correct way it helps to moderate earth's climate.
ocean's current : evenly distributes solar radiation around the earth evaporation : increases the atmosphere's humidity, leading to rain carbon uptake : removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
how do oceans help to control climate? select all that apply.
oceans help to evenly distribute the solar radiation earth receives through their currents. evaporating ocean water increases atmospheric humidity and temperature, causing it to rain.
lesson 10
soils and microbes
which statement best describes the water cycle?
water moves through different components of the earth's systems using different processes.
what is "transpiration"?
water is lost to the air from the leaves of plants.
which depiction of changing chemical compounds best describes the flow of nitrogen from the atmosphere, through the nitrogen cycle, and back into the atmosphere?
N2 → NH4+ → NO3- → N2
which best defines the carbon cycle?
a cycle in which carbon moves through living and nonliving components of the earth
which factors would make an object easier to heat up? select all that apply.
a dark color a low heat capacity
which are components of the biosphere? select all that apply.
algae bass fish
match the component to its role in the carbon cycle.
atmosphere : source of carbon dioxide for plant photosynthesis the sun : source of energy that drives the carbon cycle plants : convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into a form that can be used by other organisms animals : release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere rocks and soil : long-term storage for carbon compounds
which is an explanation of the importance of carbonates for marine life? select all that apply.
carbonates form part of the skeletal structure of corals, sea urchins, and other aquatic life. carbonates supply calcium carbonate, a critical building block for the shells of oysters and clams.
why are carbonates important for marine life?
carbonates are the building blocks that marine life use to make their shells or build their skeletons.
lesson 6
components and interactions
which defines "carbonate"?
compound derived from either carbonic acid or carbon dioxide; it is also found in the inorganic form from minerals in rock, such as limestone
what is carbonic acid?
the acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water
which statement best describes nitrogen fixation?
a process in which bacteria break nitrogen gas down into a usable form for plants
what is "transpiration"?
a process in which water is lost to the air from the leaves of plants
which describes a major event in the rock cycle?
a rock breaks down into smaller material, which can then be moved to a new location.
which statement correctly defines a closed system?
a system that allows energy, but not matter, to enter or leave the system
which statement defines absorption?
a type of interaction where light energy is taken in by the object
which best describes how nitrogen in the soil is returned to the atmosphere?
denitrifying bacteria
which statement explains the law of conservation of energy?
energy can be converted from one form to another.
lesson 7
energy from the sun
how does energy change form?
energy is transformed from one form to another when it interacts with materials.
what is the law of conservation of energy?
energy is transformed from one type to another. it is not created or destroyed. it is only transformed.
which statement explains how energy changes forms?
energy transforms from one form to another.
which example best explains how the atmosphere helps retain thermal energy?
gases in the atmosphere absorb light energy, which makes their molecules vibrate faster. they then radiate infrared light back toward the earth.
which cryosphere components would you likely find in greenland or antarctica? select all that apply.
glaciers ice caps
which are part of the biosphere? select all that apply.
humans bacteria
what happens during the rock cycle?
igneous rock forms from cooled magma. sedimentary rock forms from rock layers. metamorphic rock forms due to heat or pressure.
which best describes the flow of matter in biogeochemical cycles?
in a biogeochemical cycle, matter moves through living and nonliving things so that it is recycled and conserved.
which forms of energy are due to motion? select all that apply.
kinetic thermal
which are examples of atmosphere components? select all that apply.
oxygen gas nitrogen gas
match the event in the carbon cycle with the description of how it occurs.
photosynthesis : plants remove atmospheric or oceanic carbon dioxide and use it, combined with water and sunlight, to form glucose and oxygen. respiration : plants and animals use oxygen to release energy in glucose. this produces carbon dioxide, which is expelled through roots or via breathing. decomposition : dead plants and animals are eaten by bacteria and fungi, and the carbon they contain is released to the atmosphere.
which is an interaction between the hydrosphere and biosphere?
rain falls and a monkey scoops it up to drink.
which events are part of the carbon cycle? select all that apply.
respiration photosynthesis decomposition
which are components that make up the hydrosphere? select all that apply.
river ocean
what is a major event in the rock cycle?
rocks form from cooling magma.
what makes up the geosphere? select all that apply.
sediments heavy metals
which are examples that make up the geosphere? select all that apply.
sediments nickel in earth's core
what role do sediments play in the rock cycle?
sediments form new rocks as layers are continually deposited.
what are "sediments"?
solid material formed by the weathering of rock, which is then carried and deposited by wind, water, or ice
what are sediments?
solid material formed by the weathering of rock, which is then carried and deposited by wind, water, or ice
what defines the atmosphere?
the atmosphere is a thin layer of gases at and above earth's surface.
which correctly defines climate?
the average conditions found in a region over long periods of time
what defines the biosphere?
the biosphere is the part of earth that supports life.
lesson 9
the carbon cycle
which defines the cryosphere?
the cryosphere is made up of ice, including glaciers, ice caps, and river ice.
which statement explains the heating of air by the sun?
the gases in the air absorb light energy from the sun, heating the air.
what defines the geosphere?
the geosphere is the solid part of earth that is made up of geologic materials.
grass is an opaque material. what will happen when light falls on the grass? select all that apply.
the grass will reflect the light the grass will absorb the light
which statement defines the hydrosphere?
the hydrosphere is all of the liquid water on earth, including streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
which best defines solubility?
the maximum amount of a substance that can dissolve in a liquid
what is different about the heating of water by the sun than the heating of the land?
the temperature of the water increases very little compared to the land as a result of the solar energy it absorbs.
lesson 8
the water and rock cycles
what roles do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle? select all that apply.
they transform nitrate into nitrogen gas. they change ammonium into nitrates and nitrites. they convert nitrogen gas to ammonia and ammonium.
what substance has the highest heat capacity?
water
what is a role of the oceans, rivers, and lakes in the water cycle?
water evaporates from them to form clouds.
what happens during the water cycle? select all that apply.
water evaporates into the atmosphere. water condenses to form precipitation. the sun provides energy causing water to evaporate.
which is a major event in the water cycle?
water evaporates to form clouds.
what is an interaction between the geosphere and atmosphere?
wind carries particles of soil and rock from a dusty path.
how many of each type of atom is present in glucose? select all that apply.
6 carbon 6 oxygen 12 hydrogen
