Science 4 Flashcards
What is Newton’s first law of motion?
Newton’s first law of motion states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.
Define ‘biodiversity’ and its importance.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth. It is important because it boosts ecosystem productivity and resilience.
What is the pH scale used to measure?
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with 0 being highly acidic, 7 neutral, and 14 highly alkaline.
Describe the structure of an atom.
An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.
What is genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
Explain the water cycle and its components.
The water cycle includes the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
How does photosynthesis differ from cellular respiration?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their food using sunlight, while cellular respiration is the process of breaking down food to release energy.
What are the primary functions of the liver?
The primary functions of the liver include detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of chemicals necessary for digestion.
What is a light year and what does it measure?
A light year is a measure of distance and it represents the distance that light travels in one year.
Define the term ‘hormone’.
A hormone is a chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
What is the Big Bang theory?
The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological model for the birth of the universe, suggesting it expanded from a very high-density and high-temperature state.
Describe the process of nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller particles, releasing energy.
What is the role of chlorophyll in plants?
Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis.
Explain the principle of Archimedes’ law.
Archimedes’ law states that the upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid the body displaces.
What causes tides in the Earth’s oceans?
Tides are caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun and the rotation of the Earth.
How do vaccines differ from antibiotics?
Vaccines stimulate the immune system to protect against specific infections, while antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
What is a compound in chemistry?
A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
Explain the concept of natural selection.
Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
What is a black hole?
A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.
Describe the function of the kidneys in the human body.
The kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the body, balancing salt and mineral levels in the blood.
What are asteroids, and where are they primarily located?
Asteroids are small rocky bodies orbiting the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
How does a reflex arc work?
A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex, an immediate response to a stimulus without conscious thought.
What is the difference between a metal and a non-metal?
Metals are typically malleable, ductile, and conduct electricity and heat well, whereas non-metals are often brittle and poor conductors.
Explain the concept of plate tectonics.
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory explaining the movement of the Earth’s lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.
What is an ecosystem service?
Ecosystem services are the benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, which include air and water purification, pollination of crops, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling.
