Matter Flashcards
what are phases
masses of matter that can be separated by a definable boundary
what factor affects the rate of change of states
pressure
what is the most common state in the universe
plasma
what is plasma
ionized gas
where can plasma be found
the sun, lightning, aurora borealis
what are colloids, eg.
very fine particles suspended in a medium, gels/aerosols
what is an ion
an atom with excess negative or positive charges
what is a cation
an atom with excess positive charge
what is an anion
an atom with excess negative charge
what is a compound formed of
anion+cation
what is the smallest unit that has the properties of a compound
molecule
what distinguishes an organic compound
consists of carbon atoms joined to other carbon atoms by covalent bond
is CO2 organic
no
which earth system gave rise to the hydrosphere and atmosphere
geosphere
how can scientists study the structure of the geosphere
volcanic eruptions, remote sensing, comparisons to iron meteorites
what is a hydrothermal vent
a chemical reactor where hot and cold meet
what two factors affect rock structure
pressure and heat
name the layers of the earth and whether they are solid or molten
inner core- solid outer core- molten mesosphere- quite strong rock asthenosphere- weak rock lithosphere- strong rock
briefly describe the origins of the atmosphere
1st atmosphere of hydrogen and helium stripped by solar wind.
core formation caused geomagnetic field to form
2nd atmosphere by volcanic outgassing: methane, CO2, ammonia and water vapour.
how was the hydrosphere formed originally
water vapour from volcanic eruptions condensed and fell as precipitation
how many main, abundant elements are there in the crust
12
how much of the continental crust is made of silicon
70%
which two elements are nearly abundant in the crust
carbon and nitrogen
give 5 characteristics of minerals
naturally formed, inorganic, solid, specific chemical composition, specific crystal structure
give the two main categories of crystal structure
amorphous (no crystal structure) and crystalline (regular pattern of ions)
what is a mineral called if it contains an oxygen anion
oxide
what is a mineral called if it contains a silicate anion
silicate
what type of mineral is the most abundant
silicate
give the three types of magma and their relative amounts of silica
basaltic- low (effusive eruption style)
andesitic- medium
rhyolitic- high (explosive)
what specific process during lava eruption forms oceanic crust
pillowing
how thick is oceanic crust on average
8km
what is a saprolite
a rock broken up but still in situ
what is alluvium
all sediment picked up and transported to another location where it is deposited
what type of regolith is an important bridge between the geosphere and biosphere?
soil
