Environmental Science Review

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes minerals?

They are always crystalline and occur only in specific locations.

They can be liquid and vary in composition.

They are solid, possess an orderly internal structure, and occur naturally. (correct)

They are organic and have no internal structure.

Which process involves the loss of temperature of a liquid to form a solid mineral?

Biomineralization

Fumarolic mineralization

Precipitation from a solution

Solidification of melts (correct)

Which of the following is a method of mineral formation that involves water?

Biomineralization

Precipitation from a solution (correct)

Solid-state diffusion

Fumarolic mineralization

What is not a method of mineral formation?

Precipitation from gases Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the movement of particles of matter in the solid state?

Diffusion under heat and pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of minerals includes granite?

Silicates Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is formed through biomineralization?

Coral Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mineral formed from gases in volcanic vents?

Sulfur compounds Signup and view all the answers

What does specific gravity measure in minerals?

The weight of the mineral relative to water Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral property is measured using Mohs Scale?

Hardness Signup and view all the answers

Why are there many minerals found in the Philippines?

Presence of volcanoes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a property of minerals that can be easily identified without special equipment?

Specific gravity Signup and view all the answers

What major role do minerals play according to their importance?

They play a major role in the industry. Signup and view all the answers

Which material is commonly used for making drill bits and saw edges?

Diamond Signup and view all the answers

Which property of minerals refers to the arrangement of atoms?

Crystal Form Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gems includes Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby?

Precious Gemstones Signup and view all the answers

What does the streak of a mineral refer to?

The mineral's color in powdered form Signup and view all the answers

Which property describes the tendency of a mineral to break along smooth planes?

Cleavage Signup and view all the answers

What is the most unreliable property of minerals for identification?

Color Signup and view all the answers

Which metal is commonly used for wiring due to its electrical conductivity?

Copper Signup and view all the answers

Which tests are primarily used to identify gem minerals?

Optical and chemical tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of silicates?

Silicon and Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is an example of a sulfate?

Gypsum Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of sulfide minerals?

They have metal ions bonded with sulfide ions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general formula for carbonates?

CO3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a use of barite?

Paint production Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is commonly known as an ore mineral?

Hematite Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'lustruss' describe in minerals?

Metallic luster Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of halides?

Bonded with elements other than metals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Goldilocks zone?

To describe habitable conditions for life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a closed system?

A system where neither energy nor matter can exchange with surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What defines a mineral?

A naturally occurring solid with a definite chemical structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

Organic formation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes gradualism from catastrophism in geological terms?

Gradualism suggests slow changes, while catastrophism implies sudden events Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of soil in geological and biological processes?

To support plant life and nutrient cycling Signup and view all the answers

Which factor distinguishes renewable energy from non-renewable energy?

Renewable energy can be replenished naturally Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Goldilocks Zone

The habitable zone around a star where conditions may be just right for liquid water to exist.

Barriers to Solar Radiation

Atmosphere composed of gases that absorb and scatter sunlight, preventing excessive radiation on Earth's surface.
Ozone layer within the atmosphere protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Closed System

A physical system that does not exchange matter with its surroundings, but can exchange energy.

Layers of the Atmosphere

Troposphere: Closest layer, where weather occurs; temperature decreases with altitude.
Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV rays.
Mesosphere: Middle layer; temperature decreases with altitude, known for meteoroid burning.
Thermosphere: Very thin air; temperature rises significantly; auroras occur here.
Exosphere: Outermost layer; gradually fades into space, primarily containing hydrogen and helium.

Most Abundant Gas in the Atmosphere

Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Community vs. Ecosystem

Community: A group of interacting species living in the same area.
Ecosystem: Includes all living organisms (communities) and their physical environment, functioning as a unit.

Humboldt's Idea

Introduced the concept of connections between nature, environment, and biology; emphasized the influence of climate and vegetation on living organisms.

Gradualism vs. Catastrophism

Gradualism: Theory that evolution and geological changes occur slowly over time through small, incremental changes.
Catastrophism: The idea that Earth's features are shaped by sudden, short-lived, and violent events (like floods, earthquakes).

Uniformitarianism

Concept that geological processes observed in the present also operated in the past, leading to present-day geological features.

Darwin's Natural Selection and Genetic Mutation

Natural Selection: Mechanism by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to gradual changes in populations.
Genetic Mutation: Changes in DNA that can introduce new traits, contributing to genetic diversity and potential advantages for survival.

Earth's Material: Essential Substances

Water: Vital for life processes such as photosynthesis and transportation.
Soil: A mixture of organic materials, minerals, rocks, and humus; fundamental for plant growth.
Energy: Includes both renewable and non-renewable sources, crucial for supporting life and human activities.
Rocks: Composed of aggregates of minerals; categorized as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Minerals: Naturally occurring, homogenous inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and orderly internal structure.

Formation of Minerals

Solidification of Melts: Formation of a solid from liquid when temperature decreases.
Precipitation from Solution: Solid crystals form from dissolved substances as the solution evaporates.
Solid State Diffusion: Movement of particles within a solid, often under heat and pressure, leading to mineral transformations.
Biomineralization: Living organisms produce minerals, like shells or bones.
Fumarolic Mineralization: Minerals formed from gases emitted from volcanic vents.

Classification of Minerals

Silicates: Contain silicon and oxygen; major rock-forming minerals.
Oxides: Metallic cations bonded with oxygen; commonly known as ore minerals.
Sulfides: Metals bonded with sulfide; often lusterous and used for batteries and fertilizers.
Sulfates: Formed through precipitation; includes gypsum and barite.
Halides: Comprise halogen ions and are typically salts; include halite (rock salt).
Carbonates: Contain carbonate ions; crucial in construction and agriculture.
Native Metals: Pure metal elements found as minerals; used in various industries and applications.

Properties of Minerals

Crystal Form: Arrangement of atoms within the mineral.
Luster: Quality of light reflected; differs between metals and non-metals.
Color: Not reliable due to variations across types and conditions.
Streak: Color of the mineral in powdered form; helps with identification.
Cleavage: Tendency to break along smooth planes due to weak bonding.
Fracture: Breaks in an irregular manner, unlike cleavage.
Specific Gravity: Weight comparison to water; provides density information.
Hardness: Resistance to scratching; measured by Mohs Scale.

Importance of Minerals

Essential for numerous industries.
Contributes significantly to natural resources.
The Philippines ranks 5th in mineralization globally, with operable metallic mines; presence of volcanoes contributes to mineral wealth.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts in Environmental Science, including the Goldilocks zone, atmospheric layers, and major ecological theories. Test your knowledge on radiation barriers, systems, and the ideas of significant figures like Darwin and Humboldt. Engage in a comprehensive review of the principles that govern ecosystems and natural processes.