Question |
Answer |
Accuracy |
The difference between a measurement and its accepted value |
Conclusion |
The explanation of the results of an experiment as it applies to the hypothesis being tested |
Control |
The variable that you would be testing for in a controlled experiment |
Controlled experiment |
doing the experiment almost the same, but without the variable that you're testing for, so you can compare the results |
Dependent variable |
In an experiment, the factor that changes in response to a change in the independent variable, also called the responding variable |
Extrapolation |
The process of extending the values or terms of a series on either side of the known values, thus increasing the range of values |
Hypothesis |
A testable proposal used to explain an observation or to predict the outcome of an experiment; often expressed in the form of “if…, then…” |
Independent variable |
In an experiment, the factor that is selected or adjusted to see what effect the change will have on the dependent variable, also called the manipulated variable |
Interpolation |
Forming an estimate of a value with reference to known values either side of it |
Observation |
consists of receiving knowledge of the outside world through our senses, or recording information using scientific tools and instruments |
Precision |
the practice in most experimental science, the framework pays attention to the number of digits in a floating point number. Comparisons of expected and actual results are made to a tolerance implied by the number of digits. |
Prediction |
A forecast about what you expect to observe when you do an investigation |
Principle |
explain the 'why' and 'how' of various phenomena |
Procedure |
The steps in which you do an experiment |
Scale |
A way of measuring quantities and values |
Scientific Literacy |
one of several types of literacy: # written, # numerical and # digital |
Slope |
The direction of a line on a graph, either horizontal (zero), or slanting up (positive), or slanting down (negative). Is calculated by determining the ratio of rise/run. |
Uncertainty |
When scientists make a scientific prediction about a phenomenon, an impact or an outcome in nature, our bodies etc |
Validity |
the extent to which a concept, conclusion or measurement is well-founded and corresponds accurately to the real world |
Variable |
A factor that can influence the outcome of an experiment |
Venn Diagram |
A chart used to compare the similarities and differences between things |
abiotic |
relating to non living parts of an environment such as sunlight, soil, moisture, and temperature |
acid precipitation/rain |
Precipitation abnormally high in sulfuric and nitric acid content that is caused by atmospheric pollutants |
adaptation |
characteristics that enable organisms to better survive and reproduce |
adaptive radiation |
the development of a number of new species from a common ancestor; the new species are adapted to inhabit different niches |
algae |
Any of various chiefly aquatic, eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms |
annual precipitation |
the average amount of precipitation collected over a year |
annual temperature |
he average temperature collected over a year |
aquatic |
Of or relating to water |
bacteria |
A member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms lacking organelles and an organized nucleus, including some that can cause disease |
bioaccumulation |
the gradual build-up of synthetic and organic chemicals in living organisms |
biodegradation |
the breaking down of dead organic matter by living organisms such as bacteria |
biodiversity |
the variety of all living species of plants, animals, and microorganisms on earth |
biomagnification |
the process in which chemicals not only accumulate but become more concentrated at each trophic level in a food pyramid |
biome |
the largest division of the biosphere, which includes large regions with similar biotic components and similar abiotic components |
biosphere |
the thin layer of air, land, and water, on or near earth's surface in which all living things on earth exist |
biotic |
relating to living organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria |
carbon exchange |
the system whereby different countries exchange carbon credits |
carbon sink |
a body or process (example plants, oceans, and soil) that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it |
carbon store |
where carbon is accumalated and stored |
carbonate |
a combination of carbon and oxygen that is dissolved in ocean water |
carnivore |
secondary consumer that eats primary consumers and often other secondary consumers. They are often at the tertiary level of a food chain; also know as top carnivores |
cellular respiration |
the process in which both plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere by converting carbohydrates and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water |
climate |
the average conditions of the atmosphere (example precipitation, temperature, and humidity) in a large region over 30 years or more |
climatograph |
a graph of climate data for a specific region; the data are usually obtained over 30 years from local weather observation stations |
climax community |
a mature community, such as a boreal forest, tropical rainforest, grassland, or desert, that continues to change over time |
commensalism |
a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the other species is neither helped nor harmed |
community |
all the populations of the different species that interact in a specific area or ecosystem |
competition |
a harmful interaction between two or more organisms that can occur when organisms compete for the same resource in the same location at the same time |
consumer |
an organism that eats other organisms (primary, secondary, tertiary) |
DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) |
an insecticide and well-known persistent organic pollutant, now banned in many countries |
decomposers |
organisms that break down wastes and dead organisms and change them into usable nutrients available to other organisms |
deforestation |
the clearing or loafing of forests without replanting |
denitrification |
the process in which nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere |
detrivore |
a consumer that feed at every trophic level, obtaining their energy and nutrients by eating dead organic matter |
ecological hierarchy |
the order of biotic interactions and relationships in an ecosystem: organism, population, community, ecosystem |
ecological pyramid |
a food pyramid. three types: pyramid of biomass, pyramid of numbers, and pyramid of energy |
ecological succession (primary, secondary) |
changes that take place over time in the types of organisms that live in an area |
ecology |
the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment |
ecosystem |
a part of a biome in which abiotic components interact with biotic components |
elevation |
the height of a land mass above sea level |
estuary |
a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea |
extinction |
the dying out of a species aka species number is reduced to zero |
food chain |
a model that shows the flow of energy from plant to animal and from animal to animal |
food pyramids |
a model that shows the loss of energy from one trophic level to another; often called an ecological pyramid |
food web |
a model of the feeding relationships within an ecosystem; formed from interconnected food chains |
foreign species |
introduced species |
fossil fuel |
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms |
grazing |
Grassland suitable for pasturage |
habitat |
the place in which an organism lives |
heavy metals |
metallic elements with a high density that are toxic to organisms at low concentrations |
herbivores |
primary consumers that eat plants |
host |
An animal or plant on or in which a parasite or commensal organism lives |
keystone species |
species that can greatly affect population numbers and the health of an ecosystem |
latitude |
the distance measured in degrees north or south from the equator |
legumes |
A leguminous plant, esp. one grown as a crop |
lichen |
A simple slow-growing plant that typically forms a low crustlike, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees |
lightning |
The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder |
mutualism |
a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both organisms benefit |
native species |
plants and animals that naturally inhabit an area |
natural selection |
the process in which, over time, the best-adapted members of a species will survive and reproduce. This process makes change in living things possible |
niche |
the special role an organism plays in an ecosystem |
nitrification |
the process in which ammonium is converted to nitrate |
nutrients |
substances such as the chemicals nitrogen and phosphorus that are required by plants and animals for energy, growth, development, repair, or maintenance |
omnivore |
consumer that eats both plants and animals |
parasitism |
a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and another is harmed |
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) |
synthetic chemicals containing chlorine that are used in the manufacture of plastics and other industrial products, become stored in the tissue of animals, and also persist in the environment |
pesticides |
a general term for chemicals that are used to eliminate pests, such as insecticides that kill insects and herbicides that kill weeds |
pH |
how acidic or basic a solution is |
phosphorus cycle |
the nutrient cycle in which phosphorus is moved through the biosphere |
photosynthesis |
a process in which carbon dioxide enters the leaves of plants and reacts with water in the presence of sunlight to produce carbohydrates and oxygen |
phytoplankton |
Plankton consisting of microscopic plants |
pioneer species |
organisms such as lichens and other plants that are the first to survive and reproduce in an area |
predation |
predator-prey interactions in which one organism eats all or part of another organism |
producers |
organisms that produce food in the form of carbohydrates during photosynthesis |
proliferation |
Rapid reproduction of a cell, part, or organism |
soil degradation |
damage to soil |
stability |
The state of being stable |
symbiosis |
the interaction between members of two different species that live together in a close association |
terrestrial |
relating to the land |
top consumer/predator/carnivore |
one at the top of the food chain |
toxin |
An antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin |
trophic levels |
steps in a food chain that show feeding and niche relationships among organisms |
zooplankton |
Plankton consisting of small animals and the immature stages of larger animals |
acidic |
Having the properties of an acid, or containing acid; having a pH below 7 |
acids |
compounds containing hydrogen that produce a solution of a pH with less then 7 when they dissolve in water and that produce a salt and water when that react with ionic compounds containing hydroxide ions |
alpha particle |
a positively charged atomic particle that is much more massive than either a beta particle or game radiation and is relatively slow moving; has same combination of particles as the nucleus of a helium atom |
atomic mass |
The mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units |
atomic number |
the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which identifies the element to which the atom belongs |
atom |
the smallest particle of any element that retains the properties of the element |
bases |
chemical compounds containing hydroxide that produce a solution with a pH of more then 7 when they dissolve in water, and produce a salt and water when they react with ionic compounds containing positive hydrogen ions |
basic |
Having the properties of a base, or containing a base; having a pH greater than 7 |
beta particle |
a high speed electron that is emitted by a radioactive nucleus in beta decay |
bohr diagrams |
a diagram that shows the arrangement of an elements subatomic particles and the number of electrons in each shell surrounding the nucleus of an atom |
bonding pair |
a pair of electrons involved in a covalent bond |
bromothymol blue |
an acid-base indicator named after its color change from yellow to blue over a pH range of 6.0 to 7.6 |
catalyst |
a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed or used up itself |
chemical family/group |
A group of elements in the Periodic Table, or more commonly, compounds that share certain physical and chemical characteristics and a common name |
combustion |
the rapid reaction of a compound or element with oxygen to form an oxide and to produce heat |
compounds |
a pure substance that is composed of two or more atoms chemically combined in a specific way |
concentration |
the amount of substance dissolved in a given volume of solution |
conservation of mass |
the preservation of mass in a chemical reaction: the total mass of the products is always equal to the total mass of the reactants |
covalent bonding |
the formation of a chemical bond between atoms through the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons |
daughter product/isotope |
the stable product of radioactive decay |
decay curve |
a curved line on a graph that shows the rate at which radioisotopes decay |
decay product |
An isotope that results from the decay of an unstable atom |
decomposition |
a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down into two or more elements or simpler compounds |
diatomic element |
composed only of two atoms, of either the same or different chemical elements |
electron |
subatomic particles that have a 1- electric charge |
fission |
a nuclear reaction in which a large nucleus breaks apart, producing two or more smaller nuclei, subatomic particles, and energy |
fusion |
a process in which two low mass nuclei join together to make a more massive nucleus |
gamma decay |
a process in which an isotope falls from a high energy state to a lower energy state, giving off a high energy gamma ray |
half-life |
the time required for half the nuclei in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay, which is a constant for any radioactive isotope |
hydrocarbon |
an organic compound that contains only the elements carbon and hydrogen |
indigo carmine |
an acid-base indicator named after its color change from blue to yellow over a pH range of 11.2-13.0 |
inorganic |
refers to compound that generally do not contain carbon |
ionic bonding |
the bond that forms as a result of the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions |
ions |
electrically charged particles created when atoms gain or los electrons |
isotope |
different atoms of a particular element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons |
lewis diagrams |
a diagram that illustrates chemical bonding by showing only an atom's valence electrons and it's chemical symbol |
litmus |
a compound extracted from various lichens |
lone pair |
a pair of electrons in an atom's valence shell that is not used in bonding |
mass number |
the total number of protons and neutrons found in the nucleus of an atom |
metal oxide |
a compound containing a metal chemically combined with oxygen |
methyl orange |
an acid-base indicator named after its color shane from red to yellow over a pH range of 3.2-4.4 |
methyl red |
an acid-base indicator named after its color shane from red to yellow over a pH range of 4.8-6.0 |
molecule |
a group of atoms in which the atoms are bound together by sharing one or more pairs of electrons |
neutral |
neither acidic nor basic, has a pH of 7 |
neutralization (acid-base) |
the chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base react to form a salt and water |
neutrons |
subatomic particles that do not have an electric charge |
non-metal oxide |
a chemical compound that contains a non-metal chemically combined with oxygen |
organic |
refers to almost all carbon-containf compounds |
paired electrons |
valence electrons that are in pairs/together |
parent isotope |
the isotope that undergoes radioactive decay |
period |
each row of elements in the periodic table |
pH indicators |
chemicals that change color depending on the pH of the solution they are placed in |
pH scale |
a number scale for measuring how acidic or basic a solution is |
phenolphthalein |
a chemical compound that is colorless in acidic or slightly basic solutions but turns pink in moderately basic to highly basic solutions |
polyatomic ion |
a molecular ion that carries a charge and is composed of more than one type of atom joined by covalent bonds |
protons |
subatomic particles that hace a 1+ (positive) electric charge |
radiation |
high-energy rays and particles emitted by radioactive sources |
radioactive decay |
the process in which the nuclei of radioactive parent isotopes emit alpha, beta, or gamma radiation to form decay products |
salts |
a class of ionic compounds that can be formed during the reaction of an acid and a base |
shells/orbits |
the place in the atom surrounding the nucleus where the electrons are located |
single replacement |
describing a chemical reaction in which a reactive element and a compound react to produce another element and another compound |
standard atomic notation/isotope notation |
represents an element by showing its mass number and atomic number. two small numbers to the left of it: number on bottom is atomic number/ number of protons, top number is the mass number which is the number of neutrons and number protons added together |
surface area |
the measure of how much area of an object is exposed |
double replacement |
describing a chemical reaction that usually involves two ionic solutions reacting to produce two other ionic compounds, either or both of which produce a precipitate |
symbolic equations |
a set of chemical symbols and formulas that identify the reactants and products in a chemical reaction |
synthesis |
a chemical reaction in with two or more reactants combine to produce a single product |
unpaired electrons |
valence electrons that are "alone" |
valence electron |
the elections in the outermost shell (valence shell) of an electron |
acceleration (positive, zero, negative) |
the rate at which an object changes its velocity |
displacement |
the straight-line |
distance |
distance and direction from one point to another |
magnitude |
a number that rates the strength (energy) of an earthquake |
position |
a vector quantity that describes a specific point relative to a reference point |
slope |
the direction off a line on a graph, either horizontal (zero), slanting up (positive), or slanting down (negative). calculated by determining rise/run |
speed |
the distance an object travels during a given time interval divided by the time interval |
time interval |
the deference between the final time and the initial time |
uniform motion |
traveling in equal displacements in equal time intervals |
velocity |
the displacement of an object during a time interval divided by the time interval |
aerosol |
A substance enclosed under pressure |
atmospheres |
layers of gases that extend above a plants surface |
barometer |
an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure |
climate change |
changes in long-term weather patterns in certain regions |
condensation |
Water that collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it |
coriolis effect |
a change in the direction of moving air, water, or objects due to earth's rotation |
el nino southern oscillation |
a system of ocean and atmosphere changes in the tropical pacific region, including el nino and la nina events |
kinetic energy |
the energy of a particle or object due to its motion |
potential energy |
the stored energy of an object or particle due to its position or state |
energy budget |
Measure of energy entering and leaving a system, such as Earth's climate system |
evaporation |
lose or cause to lose liquid by vaporization leaving a more concentrated residue |
gradient |
The degree of steepness of a graph at any point |
greenhouse gases |
gases in earths atmosphere that absorb and trap radiation as thermal energy |
heat |
the amount of thermal energy that transfers from an area or object of higher thermal energy to an area or object of lower thermal energy |
heat budget |
A listing of all the sources of heat transfers for some thermodynamic system, to account for the total heat transfers into or out of the system |
heat flow/transfer |
the movement of heat from one place to another |
hurricanes |
tropical cyclones |
conduction |
the transfer of thermal energy from one substance to another or within a solid by direct contact of particles |
convection |
the transfer of thermal energy within a fluid and with the movement of fluid from one place to another |
radiation |
high-energy rays and particles emitted by radioactive sources |
insulator |
A substance that does not readily allow the passage of heat or sound |
kilopascal (kPa) |
the SI unit that measure the vertical force of atmospheric pressure per unit area |
Kinetic Molecular Theory |
the theory that all matter is composed of particles moving constantly in random directions |
la nina |
cooler-than-normal water coming to the surface in the eastern pacific ocean due to upwelling |
ozone layer |
the atmospheric layer that absorbs much of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun |
permafrost |
ground that remains frozen year-round |
pressure (atmospheric, within the earth) |
the amount of force per unit area |
temperature |
a measure of the average kinetic energy of all the particles in a sample of matter |
thermal energy |
the total energy of all the particles in a solid, liquid, or gas |
thermocline |
a transition zone that separates the cold, deep ocean waters from the sun-warmed surface waters |
tornado |
a violent, funnel shaped column of rotating air that touches the ground |
winds (prevailing, surface) |
the movement of air from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure |
asthenosphere |
a partly molten later in earths upper mantle just below the lithosphere |
continental drift theory |
the theory that the continents have not always been in their present locations but have moved there over millions of years |
cross section (vs. map view) |
the probability that a particular interaction will take place between particles |
crust (continental, oceanic) |
earth's outermost layer |
density |
The degree of compactness of a substance |
earthquake |
a sudden, ground-shaking release of built-up energy at or under earth's surface |
epicenter |
the point on earth's surface directly above the focus where an earthquake starts |
faults |
large breaks in rock layers |
focus |
the location inside earth where an earthquake starts |
geologic time |
the time of the physical formation and development of the earth |
hot spot |
an area where molten rock rises to earth's surface |
inner core |
earth's solid center |
lithosphere |
the later of Earth made up of the crust and uppermost mantle and ranging in thickness from 65 km to 100 km |
magnetic polarity (normal, reverse) |
the state of being a north pole or south pole |
magnetic reversal |
the process in which earth's magnetic field, over thousands of years, completely reverses its direction |
magnetometer |
An instrument used for measuring magnetic forces, esp. the earth's magnetism |
mantle |
earth's thickest layer, lying just below the crust and making up 7- percent of earth's volume |
mantle convection |
a recurring current that occurs when hotter, less dense material rises, cools, and then sinks again |
mantle plume |
A mantle plume is an upwelling of abnormally hot rock within the Earth's mantle |
mid-ocean ridge |
an underwater volcanic mountain range, found at the boundaries between separating plates |
mountain range |
A line of mountains connected by high ground |
outer core |
the layer below earth's mantle |
paleoglaciation |
the extent of ancient glaciers |
plate boundary |
where two plate "meet" |
convergent |
when plates collide |
divergent |
when plates are spreading apart |
transform |
when plates slide next to eachother |
plate tectonic theory |
the theory that the lithosphere is broker up into large later that move and then rejoin |
primary waves (P waves) |
a type of seismic body wave that travels at about 6 km/s though earth's crust causing the ground to move in the direction of the wave's motion |
ridge push |
the process in which new material at a ridge or rift pushes older material aside, moving the tectonic plates away from the ridge |
rift valley |
a steep-sided valley formed on land when magma rises to earth's surface at a spreading center |
seafloor spreading |
the process in which magma rises to earth's surface at spreading ridges and, as it continues to rise, pushes older rock aside |
secondary waves (S-waves) |
a type of seismic body (underground) wave that travels at about 3.5 km/s, causing the ground to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion |
seismogram |
a record of ground motion |
seismograph |
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes |
seismometer |
instruments that measure motions of the ground, including those of seismic waves generated by earthquakes, nuclear explosions, and other seismic sources |
slab pull |
the pulling of a tectonic plate as its edge subducts deep into the mantle |
spreading ridge |
the region where magma breaks through earth's surface, continually forcing apart old rock and forming a new sea floor |
subduction |
the action of one plate pushing underneath another |
subduction zone |
areas of subduction, which typically experience large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions |
supercontinent (pangea) |
a large landmass consisting of all the continents that was said to have existent long ago |
surface waves (L-waves) |
seismic waves that ripple along earth's surface |
tectonic plates |
the large slabs of rock that form earth's surface, moving over a layer of partly molten rock |
transform fault |
a fault that occurs at a transform plate boundary |
trench |
a deep underwater valley that is formed when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate and is forced to slide beneath it |
volcanic belt |
a long chain of volcanoes |
volcanic island arc |
a long chain of volcanic islands |
volcano |
an opening in earth's surface that, when active, spews out gases, chunks of rock, and melted rock |