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Review for Earth Science Semester 2 Final Exam
Review for Earth Science Semester 2 Final Exam
38
Science
9th Grade
10/29/2014

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Term
What is meant by the term independent variable?
Definition
This is the cause of the result in an experiment.
Term
What is meant by the term dependent variable?
Definition
This is the result in an experiment.
Term
Why would you only want to change one variable at a time in an experiment?
Definition
This is so you know which variable caused the result.
Term
What would happen if you changed several variables at a time in an experiment?
Definition
You would not know which of those variables caused the result.
Term
What format do you follow to write a properly stated hypothesis?
Definition
If (Independent Variable) then (Dependent Variable).
Term
What is precipitation?
Definition
This is when water falls to the ground such as in the form of rain, snow, or hail.
Term
What is transpiration?
Definition
This is when water is drawn up a plant and comes up off the leaves of plants.
Term
What is evaporation?
Definition
This is when water goes from liquid form into gas/vapor form -- such as when water from the surface of a pond or lake goes up into the air.
Term
What is condensation?
Definition
This is when water changes from gas or vapor into a droplet form such as when clouds are formed.
Term
What is an aqueduct?
Definition
This is a channel in which water can travel -- aqueducts can be used to direct water to where it is needed.
Term
What is ground water?
Definition
This is water that is below the earth's surface - it can be at or below the water table.
Term
What is the water table?
Definition
This is the upper limit of the ground which is fully saturated with water
Term
What is meant by water conservation?
Definition
This is any way that you use to save water or to use less water?
Term
What are examples of water conservation?
Definition
taking shorter showers, watering you grass only once or twice a week, using a low-flow shower head, etc.
Term
What is domestic sewage?
Definition
This is sewage (waste water) from homes.
Term
Why is domestic sewage dangerous if untreated?
Definition
There can be pathogenic (disease - causing) microorganisms in it.
Term
Water is used to cool power plants. Why is this a problem?
Definition
The warmed up water that is released can kill organisms with thermal shock, holds less oxygen so makes is difficult for aquatic animals, and can cause the disappearance or species which then allows non-native species to take over
Term
What is meant by the term non-renewable resource?
Definition
This is a resource that cannot be replaced in less than 100 years.
Term
What is a renewable resource?
Definition
This is a resource that is very abundant and can be replaced in less than 100 years.
Term
What is meant by alternative energy?
Definition
These are forms of energy that are alternatives to fossil fuels.
Term
Give some examples of fossil fuels.
Definition
Coal, gas, oil
Term
What is the problem with using fossil fuels?
Definition
These give off Carbon Dioxide when burned. The Carbon Dioxide then contributes to Global Climate Change.
Term
What is a greenhouse gas?
Definition
This is any gas that contributes to the warming of Earth's atmosphere. Examples include Carbon Dioxide and Methane.
Term
What are examples of alternative energies?
Definition
Wind, hydroelectric, solar, fuel cells, geothermal, nuclear, biomass/biofuel
Term
What is a disadvantage to wind energy?
Definition
It is unreliable
Term
What is a disadvantage to nuclear energy?
Definition
It has radioactive waste
Term
What is an example of biofuel?
Definition
Ethanol that is used in gas for cars
Term
What do solar cells (photovoltaic cells) do?
Definition
They convert sunlight energy into electricity.
Term
What is hydroelectric power?
Definition
This is using water over a dam to turn a turbine to generate electricity.
Term
What are examples of biomass energy?
Definition
burning logs or any other material from plants or making ethanol out of corn
Term
What is geothermal energy?
Definition
This is getting energy from the earth. The liquid rock (magma) needs to be near the surface of the earth such as in volcanically active areas
Term
What has been happening to the amount of Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere?
Definition
It fluctuates throughout the year but it is generally increasing over the last several decades.
Term
What is climate?
Definition
This is the long term conditions related to characteristics such as temperature and precipitation of a geographical area.
Term
What is weather?
Definition
This is the day to day conditions related to characteristics such as temperature and precipitation in a local area.
Term
What causes the seasons on the Earth?
Definition
The tilt of the Earth - which ever hemisphere is pointed toward the sun as the Earth orbits the sun will be having summer and longer daylight.
Term
Why does the region at the Earth's equator have relatively constant weather and daylight hours?
Definition
This is because when the Earth orbits the sun the equator (middle) region has little to no shift - receives relatively similar solar exposure throughout the year.
Term
How do clouds form?
Definition
Warm, moist air rises. When air reaches its dew point, it condenses and droplets of condensed moisture settle on/form around condensation nuclei.
Term
What are condensation nuclei?
Definition
This are particles in the air such as pollen, smoke, or soot that provide a surface for droplets to form on allowing for the formation of clouds.
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