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Questions and Answers
Which property measures the resistance of a mineral to scratching?
Which property measures the resistance of a mineral to scratching?
- Color
- Hardness (correct)
- Luster
- Fracture
What characteristic is NOT required for a substance to be classified as a mineral?
What characteristic is NOT required for a substance to be classified as a mineral?
- It must have a metallic luster. (correct)
- It must be solid.
- It must have a definite chemical formula.
- It must occur naturally.
Which of the following processes does NOT contribute to the formation of minerals?
Which of the following processes does NOT contribute to the formation of minerals?
- Cooling and solidifying of molten materials.
- Chemical reactions of different substances.
- Evaporation of water.
- Biological synthesis by living organisms. (correct)
What term describes the external shape of a crystal or group of crystals?
What term describes the external shape of a crystal or group of crystals?
What is the streak of a mineral?
What is the streak of a mineral?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Anhedral crystals?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Anhedral crystals?
How is the luster of a mineral classified?
How is the luster of a mineral classified?
Which type of crystal is described as fully-developed with well-defined faces?
Which type of crystal is described as fully-developed with well-defined faces?
What is sublimation in the context of phase changes?
What is sublimation in the context of phase changes?
Which of the following best describes transpiration?
Which of the following best describes transpiration?
Condensation is crucial for which of the following processes?
Condensation is crucial for which of the following processes?
What is precipitation in the water cycle?
What is precipitation in the water cycle?
What does the hydrologic cycle describe?
What does the hydrologic cycle describe?
Which properties of water molecules contribute to its remarkable behavior?
Which properties of water molecules contribute to its remarkable behavior?
Which form of precipitation is primarily responsible for delivering atmospheric water to the Earth’s surface?
Which form of precipitation is primarily responsible for delivering atmospheric water to the Earth’s surface?
The primary component of clouds is formed from which process?
The primary component of clouds is formed from which process?
What is the main composition of the O Horizon?
What is the main composition of the O Horizon?
What type of soil has the smallest particle size among the three types mentioned?
What type of soil has the smallest particle size among the three types mentioned?
Which soil layer is characterized by being nutrient-rich and dark in color?
Which soil layer is characterized by being nutrient-rich and dark in color?
Which of the following is a reason why the A Horizon does not drain well?
Which of the following is a reason why the A Horizon does not drain well?
Which soil layer is primarily composed of mineral particles and has a smooth and fine texture?
Which soil layer is primarily composed of mineral particles and has a smooth and fine texture?
What is a primary use of the O Horizon in agricultural practices?
What is a primary use of the O Horizon in agricultural practices?
Which statement about loamy soil is correct?
Which statement about loamy soil is correct?
Why is the A Horizon considered critical for grasslands?
Why is the A Horizon considered critical for grasslands?
What is a key feature of agricultural soil?
What is a key feature of agricultural soil?
What is peat commonly used for in gardens?
What is peat commonly used for in gardens?
Which of the following statements about chalk soil is correct?
Which of the following statements about chalk soil is correct?
What is a consequence of urban development on soil?
What is a consequence of urban development on soil?
How does soil erosion and sedimentation impact resources like streams?
How does soil erosion and sedimentation impact resources like streams?
What is the primary characteristic of humus in soil?
What is the primary characteristic of humus in soil?
What type of plants does alkaline chalk soil typically hinder?
What type of plants does alkaline chalk soil typically hinder?
What effect does land consumption have during urban expansion?
What effect does land consumption have during urban expansion?
Which theory posits that the solar system formed from an interstellar cloud of dust and gas?
Which theory posits that the solar system formed from an interstellar cloud of dust and gas?
What principle does the Steady State Theory assert about the universe?
What principle does the Steady State Theory assert about the universe?
Who is associated with the Proponent of the Big Bang Theory?
Who is associated with the Proponent of the Big Bang Theory?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Earth regarding its distance from the Sun?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Earth regarding its distance from the Sun?
What does the Pulsating Theory describe about the universe?
What does the Pulsating Theory describe about the universe?
What aspect of the universe is highlighted by the phrase 'living' in the context of some theories?
What aspect of the universe is highlighted by the phrase 'living' in the context of some theories?
How much of the world's water supply is estimated to be freshwater?
How much of the world's water supply is estimated to be freshwater?
What is the key difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
What is the key difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
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Study Notes
Origin of the Universe & Solar System
- Nebular Theory: Proposes solar system formed from an interstellar cloud of dust and gas (nebula).
- Steady State Theory: Asserts universe is constant with no explosive origin; galaxies are created continuously. Proponents include Fred Hoyle and Thomas Gold.
- Big Bang Theory: Universe began from a single point and expanded. Proposed by George Lemaitre.
- Pulsating Theory: Suggests the universe undergoes cycles of expansion and contraction, described as a 'living' entity.
Earth Subsystem
- Earth’s position in the solar system allows for necessary conditions for life; not too close or far from the sun/moon.
- Freshwater resources (lakes, rivers) are limited compared to saltwater (oceans).
Minerals and Rocks
- Mineral Characteristics:
- Must be solid, natural, non-living, have a definite chemical formula, and a crystal structure.
- Rock Composition: Made from various minerals; minerals are the building blocks of rocks.
- Cooling Processes:
- Forms from cooling and solidifying of molten materials, evaporation, and chemical reactions.
- Physical Properties of Minerals:
- Hardness (measured by Mohs Hardness Scale), luster (metallic/non-metallic), crystal form, color, streak, and fracture characteristics.
Water Resources
- Water is comprised of hydrogen and oxygen; exists in gaseous, liquid, and solid states.
- Hydrologic Cycle: Encompasses all processes through which water moves between land, ocean, and atmosphere; fundamental for nutrient delivery and ecosystem functioning.
- Precipitation: Occurs in various forms; primarily as rain, critical for replenishing water resources.
Soil Resources
- Soil Layers (Horizons):
- O Horizon (Organic Layer): Rich in humus, fertile, essential for agriculture.
- A Horizon (Topsoil): Contains organic matter and minerals; supports most plant life.
- Clay: Smallest particles, dense structure with excellent moisture retention.
- Loamy Soil: Ideal for farming; combination of sand, silt, and clay, rich in nutrients.
- Peat: High organic matter; moisture-retentive, rarely found in gardens.
- Chalk: Highly alkaline due to calcium carbonate content; inhibits growth of acid-loving plants.
Environmental Impacts
- Pesticides: Chemicals used for managing harmful organisms in agriculture.
- Urban Development: Leads to land consumption and soil degradation; expansion diminishes natural landscapes and productive soil.
- Land Sealing: Covers soil with impermeable materials, disrupting natural processes and hydrology.
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