Term 4 Block Exams - Global Systems, Physics, The Universe

Question 1

What does the geosphere encompass?

Answer 1

The geosphere encompasses earth’s metallic core, solid & molten rock, as well as soil and sediments. (geo = earth)

Question 2

What does the hydrosphere encompass?

Answer 2

The hydrosphere encompasses all of earth’s water, in all its forms. (Bodies of water, ice, vapour)

Question 3

What is the atmosphere?

Answer 3

The mixture of gases surrounding earth. (e.g. oxygen)

Question 4

Define the biosphere.

Answer 4

The system that all livings things are apart of. (bio = to live, of living things)

Question 5

Which of earth’s systems are humans included in?

Answer 5

The biosphere.

Question 6

What is the difference between lithosphere and geosphere?

Answer 6

The geosphere encompasses all of earth & its minerals, whereas the lithosphere describes the outermost layer of the planet, consisting of the earth’s crust & upper mantle. (Litho = rock, geo = earth)

Question 7

Define ‘melting’.

Answer 7

The change from a solid to a liquid.

Question 8

Define ‘evaporation’.

Answer 8

The process in which a liquid is turned into a gas.

Question 9

Define ‘freezing’.

Answer 9

A process in which a liquid is turned solid.

Question 10

Define ‘condensation’.

Answer 10

A change from gas to liquid.

Question 11

What is precipitation?

Answer 11

Precipitation is when small droplets of water in clouds form larger droplets and fall as rain, hail or snow

Question 12

What is transpiration?

Answer 12

Transpiration is when plants release water vapour from tiny pores in their leaves

Question 13

What is runoff?

Answer 13

Runoff is when liquid water flows downhill in streams and rivers

Question 14

What is infiltration?

Answer 14

Infiltration is when rain water soaks into the ground and flows through soil & rock layers

Question 15

How much of Earth’s total water is suitable for drinking?

Answer 15

Less than 1% (0.007%)

Question 16

When water evaporates from oceans, the salt is left behind. Explain why this part of the water cycle is so important for providing us with fresh water to drink.

Answer 16

The salt is left behind when water evaporates from oceans, so that the water vapour that rises into the atmosphere is pure water. This is so that when the water comes back down in precipitation, it is more suitable for drinking.

Question 17

List the major steps in the water cycle in order.

Answer 17

Evaporation, precipitation, transpiration, condensation, runoff, infiltration.

Question 18

What is the difference between ‘weather’ and ‘climate’?

Answer 18

‘Weather’ defines the conditions of a certain smaller area, such as a city, whereas ‘climate’ encompasses the average weather an entire region receives.

Question 19

What unit is used to measure distance in space?

Answer 19

Lightyears.

Question 20

What does a lightyear measure?

Answer 20

How far light travels in space in one year.