intro to earth science

Question 1

mars characteristics

Answer 1

Highest T = 35°F (2°C)
Winter T = -200°F (-125°C)
- cold enough to freeze carbon dioxide (CO2)

Question 2

venus characteristics

Answer 2

• Atmosphere: 96% CO2
• T = ~ 900 °F (480°C)
• Clouds of sulfuric acid

Question 3

earth characteristics

Answer 3

• liquid water, solid water (ice), water vapor
• a reasonable climate
• recognizable form of life
• T = ~ 59°F (or 15°C)

Question 4

3 phases of water and how they are formed

Answer 4

• Low T or high P&raquo_space;> water is frozen into ice
• High T or low P&raquo_space;> gas (water vapor)
• Only in a certain range of T and P&raquo_space;> liquid

Question 5

what is science

Answer 5

use of observation, experiment, and calculation to explain how nature operates

Question 6

what is the scientific method and its 3 steps

Answer 6

a sequence of steps for systematically analyzing problems in a way that leads to verifiable results
- observation
- hypothesis
- test

Question 7

what is the observation step in scientific methods

Answer 7

observe a problem/question to be answered

Question 8

what is the hypothesis step in scientific methods

Answer 8

• should explain observations/data
• Multiple working hypotheses

Question 9

what is the test step in scientific methods

Answer 9

test the hypothesis
1) Results must be reproducible
2) Explains all related observations
3) No contradictions to other observations and scientific principles
4) Internally consistent

Question 10

what is a theory

Answer 10

a hypothesis that is capable of explaining a broad range of observations and is supported by abundant evidence by passing many tests

Question 11

what is geology

Answer 11

study of earth and other planets