Earths Physical System Flashcards
The law of conservation of matter
matter can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed (matter stays constant) (recycled)
Ionic bonds
electrons are transferred between atoms
Covalent bonds
electrons are shared between atoms
Cohesion
water’s attraction to itself (surface tension)
Adhesion
water’s attraction between two different substances (capillary action)
high specific heat
the amount of energy that is absorbed or lost by one gram of a substance to change the temp by 1 degree Celsius
high heat evaporation
the amount of heat energy needed to change a gram of liquid into gas
Why does ice have a lower density than water?
the hydrogen bonds are spaced out causing ice to float, insulating lakes and ponds
Why is water a universal solvent?
polarity and hydrogen bonds make it a powerful solvent(water) for solutes(atoms, ions, molecules)
Potential energy
energy of position (nuclear, mechanical, chemical)
Kinetic energy
energy of motion (thermal, light, sound)
1st Laws of thermodynamics
Energy can change forms but cannot be created or destroyed
2nd Laws of thermodynamics
Energy changes from a more ordered to a less ordered state (entropy, increasing state of disorder). *Inputting energy from outside the system increases the order
Energy conversion efficiency
the ratio of useful energy output to the amount needing to be input
Chemosynthesis
uses energy in hydrogen sulfide to produce sugar
Geology
the study of Earth’s physical features, processes, and history
Layers of the Earth
- core: solid iron in the center (molten iron in the outer core)
- Mantle: less dense, elastic rock
- asthenosphere: very soft or melted rock (geothermal energy)
- lithosphere: the uppermost mantle and the crust
- crust: the thin brittle, low-density rock layer
Divergent plate boundary
plates move apart bc magma rises to the surface. creating a new crust and causing volcanos and hydrothermal vents
Transform plate boundary
plates meet and the friction of the grind causes earthquakes along strike-slip faults
Convergent plate boundary
plates collide
Subduction
Oceanic plate slides beneath continental crust, and magma erupts through the surface in volcanoes
Continental collision
Two plates of continental crust collide, making the Himalayas and Appalachian
Tectonic Plates cause:
earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis
What can worsen natural hazards?
- overpopulation
- vulnerable areas (beaches, mountains)
- engineered landscapes (damming rivers, suppressing fire, mining)
- changing climate
