Understanding Climate Change

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

Which of the following activities contributes most significantly to the increase of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) in the atmosphere?

  • Recycling and reducing waste to decrease landfill emissions.
  • Using renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
  • Burning fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation. (correct)
  • Protecting and expanding forests to absorb more COâ‚‚.

How does deforestation directly contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change?

  • Deforestation increases the planet's albedo, reflecting more sunlight.
  • Deforestation leads to a decrease in global precipitation levels.
  • Deforestation reduces the amount of COâ‚‚ absorbed from the atmosphere. (correct)
  • Deforestation decreases the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Which outcome is a direct result of rising global temperatures caused by climate change?

  • A stabilization of global weather patterns and precipitation.
  • An increase in the biodiversity and stability of ecosystems.
  • Melting of glaciers and sea ice, leading to rising sea levels. (correct)
  • A decrease in the frequency and intensity of storms.

What is the primary mechanism by which greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?

<p>They absorb and trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a renewable energy source that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels?

<p>Solar energy harnessed through photovoltaic panels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between global warming and climate change?

<p>Climate change is a result of global warming, encompassing a broader range of effects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas has the greatest global warming potential?

<p>Methane (CHâ‚„) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process transforms magma into igneous rock?

<p>Cooling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sequence of processes would transform an igneous rock into a sedimentary rock?

<p>Weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock typically contains fossils?

<p>Sedimentary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process would change an existing rock without melting it?

<p>Heat and pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental concept of the rock cycle?

<p>Rocks are continuously recycled and transformed from one type to another. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

<p>The fit of the continents, fossil distribution, rock and mountain similarities, and glacial evidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was Wegener's theory of continental drift initially rejected by many scientists?

<p>He could not explain the mechanism by which continents moved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What discovery provided the mechanism to support the theory of continental drift?

<p>The discovery of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between continental drift and plate tectonics?

<p>Plate tectonics is a broader theory that explains the mechanism behind continental drift. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the supercontinent that Wegener proposed existed millions of years ago?

<p>Pangaea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between weathering and erosion?

<p>Weathering breaks down rocks, while erosion moves the resulting sediments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural force is primarily responsible for forming sand dunes?

<p>Wind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do rivers change the Earth's surface over long periods of time?

<p>By eroding soil and rocks to form valleys and canyons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What landform results from a glacier receding and depositing sediments?

<p>A moraine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acid rain dissolving limestone is an example of what type of weathering?

<p>Chemical weathering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following human actions leads to air pollution?

<p>Burning fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective strategy for reducing human impact on land resources?

<p>Implementing widespread recycling and waste reduction programs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does deforestation affect Earth's systems?

<p>It increases COâ‚‚ levels and reduces habitat availability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of conservation efforts?

<p>To ensure the wise and responsible use of resources to prevent depletion and damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action reduces water pollution?

<p>Properly disposing of chemicals and waste to prevent runoff. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these units is most appropriate for measuring the distance to another galaxy?

<p>Light-year (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which arrangement lists cosmic structures from smallest to largest?

<p>Moon → Planet → Star → Solar System → Galaxy → Universe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the Milky Way galaxy is our solar system located?

<p>In a spiral arm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is responsible for Earth's seasons?

<p>The tilt of Earth's axis and its revolution around the Sun (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light?

<p>Solar eclipse (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which force is responsible for keeping the Moon in orbit around the Earth?

<p>Gravity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the concept of weight?

<p>The force of gravity acting on an object's mass (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine the strength of gravity between two objects?

<p>Mass and distance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose is the Geologic Time Scale used?

<p>To organize Earth's history and major events (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Geologic Time Scale, what defines the end of an era or period?

<p>A mass extinction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Era is known as the "Age of Reptiles?"

<p>Mesozoic Era (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies potential energy?

<p>A stretched rubber band (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to energy in a closed system, according to the law of conservation of energy?

<p>It transforms, but the total amount remains constant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sun warming the Earth directly is an example of what form of heat transfer?

<p>Radiation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Climate?

Long-term weather patterns over time.

What is Climate Change?

A big shift in long-term weather patterns over decades or centuries.

Release of Carbon Dioxide

Burning fossil fuels releases this gas.

Deforestation

Cutting trees reduces COâ‚‚ absorption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Greenhouse Effect

Gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Renewable Energy

Using solar and wind power reduces emissions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Recycle and Reduce Waste

Reducing use protects resources and lowers emissions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protect Forests and Plant Trees

Protecting these absorbs COâ‚‚ from the atmosphere.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Less Electricity & Driving

Consuming less conserves resources and reduces emissions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate Change

Long-term shift in Earth's climate patterns, including temperature, rainfall, storm strength, over decades to millions of years.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Modern Climate Change

Earth is getting warmer, mostly because of human activity and it’s happening faster than normal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Greenhouse Effect

Some sunlight is trapped by gases in the atmosphere that reflects back into space, keeping Earth warm.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Source of Carbon Dioxide

Burning fossil fuels from cars, factories, and electricity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Source of Methane

Cows, landfills, and natural gas leaks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Source of Nitrous Oxide

Fertilizers and car exhaust.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evidence of Climate Change

Melting glaciers, polar ice melting faster than before.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Species Migration

Animals and plants are moving north or uphill to stay cool.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rising Temperatures

Hottest years ever on record are recent.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sea Level Rise

Floods coastal cities and islands.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate Change Health Risks

Malaria or dengue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Climate Refugees

People leaving homes due to floods, fires.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Health Risks

Heatstroke and disease spread.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ecosystem Impacts

Animals may go extinct if they can't adapt quickly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth’s Changing Surface

Earth's surface isn’t still — it’s always changing, shaped by natural forces like water, wind, ice, gravity, earthquakes, and volcanoes

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces called sediments

Signup and view all the flashcards

Physical

Breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without changes chemically.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Examples of Physical Weathering

frost wedging(water freezes in cracks and breaks rock), abrasion (rocks grinding against each other), temperature changes( hot/cold expansion and contraction).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chemical Weathering

rocks change into new materials through chemical reactions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Erosion

Wind, water, ice, or gravity carry sediments from one place to another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

deposition.

eroded materials are dropped and settled in new places.

Signup and view all the flashcards

examples of Agent of Erosion

Rivers cut canyons, rain washes soil away, blows sand in deserts or beaches, glaciers scrape land and move rocks, causes landslides and rockfalls.

Signup and view all the flashcards

examples of deposition

water: river deltas (like the Mississippi Delta), wind: sand dunes, Glaciers: glacial moraines.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Continental Drift

The idea that Earth's continent were once connected in a giant supercontinent and have slowly moved apart over millions of years.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rock Similarities

Mountains in North America and Europe are made of the same rocks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problem with Alfred

He couldn't explain HOW continents moved.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Climate is long-term weather patterns, not just daily conditions.
  • Climate change involves significant shifts in these patterns over decades or centuries.

Causes of Climate Change

  • Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), a primary driver of climate change.
  • Deforestation reduces the amount of COâ‚‚ absorbed from the atmosphere.
  • Agriculture and factories also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse Effect

  • Greenhouse gases trap heat within Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
  • An excess of greenhouse gases leads to excessive heating of the planet.

Effects of Climate Change

  • Global temperatures are rising, leading to more extreme weather events.
  • Glaciers and sea ice are melting, contributing to rising sea levels.
  • Sea levels are rising, threatening coastal communities.
  • Storms are becoming stronger, and the frequency of floods, droughts, and wildfires is increasing.
  • Ecosystems are changing, challenging the survival of some animals.

Solutions to Climate Change

  • Shifting to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial.
  • Recycling and reducing waste minimizes environmental impact.
  • Protection of forests and planting trees enhances carbon absorption.
  • Reducing electricity consumption and driving less lowers carbon footprint.

Modern Climate Change Specifics

  • Earth is warming faster than normal, primarily due to human activities.

Greenhouse Gases Breakdown

  • Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚): Released from burning fossil fuels; has a significant impact.
  • Methane (CHâ‚„): From cows, landfills, and natural gas leaks; very potent.
  • Nitrous Oxide (Nâ‚‚O): Originates from fertilizers and car exhaust; considerable impact.
  • Water Vapor: Natural, increases with heat.

Evidence of Climate Change

  • Temperature records over 100 years show consistent warming trends.
  • Ice core data reveals COâ‚‚ levels are the highest in 800,000 years.
  • Glaciers and polar ice are melting at an accelerated rate.
  • Sea levels are rising due to melting ice and thermal expansion.
  • Species are migrating to cooler areas.

Specific Global Effects

  • Recent years have been the hottest on record.
  • Heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more frequent.
  • Coastal cities and islands face increased flooding due to sea level rise.
  • Stronger hurricanes and storms are fueled by excess atmospheric energy.
  • Greenland and Antarctica are experiencing significant ice sheet melting.
  • Changes in crop viability may lead to food shortages.

Human Impact

  • Health risks such as heatstroke and the spread of diseases like malaria are increasing.
  • Climate refugees are displaced due to extreme weather events.
  • Homes and cities are suffering damage from extreme weather.

Ecosystem Impact

  • Some plants and animals face extinction due to their inability to adapt quickly enough.
  • Coral reefs are dying from coral bleaching due to warm water and acidification.
  • Arctic animals, such as polar bears, are losing their habitats.

Global Warming vs. Climate Change

  • Global warming is one aspect of climate change
  • Climate change encompasses all the side effects of a warming planet.

Methods to Reduce Impact

  • Riding a bike or walking more reduces carbon emissions.
  • Using energy-saving lights and electronics decreases electricity consumption.
  • Reducing meat consumption lowers methane emissions from cows.
  • Reducing, reusing, and recycling conserves resources.
  • Using solar or wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
  • International agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement aim to reduce COâ‚‚ emissions.
  • Investments in renewable energy are essential.
  • Protecting forests enhances carbon absorption.
  • Improved farming practices can release fewer gases.

Climate Change Analogy

  • Earth is like a person in a sweater; too many sweaters (GHGs) cause overheating.

Rock Cycle Basics

  • The rock cycle is a process of constantly changing Earth materials.
  • Rocks transform over time due to heat, pressure, weathering, and melting.
  • There is no start or end point of the rock cycle
  • Rocks are always changing!

Igneous Rocks: "The Born Rocks"

  • Formed from cooled magma or lava.
  • Intrusive igneous rocks cool underground and have large crystals.
  • Extrusive igneous rocks cool above ground and have small or no crystals.
  • Basalt is an example of extrusive igneous rock.
  • Granite is an example of intrusive igneous rock.
  • "Igneous" can be associated with "ignite" and fire/magma.

Sedimentary Rocks: "The Layered Rocks"

  • Formed from compacted and cemented sediments.
  • Sediments include broken rock, sand, and shells.
  • Sedimentary rocks often form in water and can contain fossils.
  • Sandstone, limestone, and shale are examples of sedimentary rocks.
  • "Sedimentary" can be associated with "sediment" and layers.

Metamorphic Rocks: "The Changed Rocks"

  • Formed when any rock is changed by heat and pressure.
  • This process occurs deep inside Earth's crust, and rocks do not melt.
  • Marble (from limestone), slate (from shale), and gneiss (from granite) are metamorphic rocks.
  • "Metamorphic" can be associated with "morph" and change.

Rock Transformation Processes

  • Cooling: Turns magma/lava into solid rock, forming igneous rock.
  • Weathering: Breaks rocks into small pieces through wind, water, and ice.
  • Erosion: Moves rock pieces away, aided by rivers, wind, and gravity.
  • Compaction & Cementation: Presses sediments together, forming sedimentary rock.
  • Heat & Pressure: Changes rock without melting, forming metamorphic rock.
  • Melting: Turns rock into magma.

Significance of the Rock Cycle

  • It explains how mountains, cliffs, valleys, and beaches form.
  • It illustrates that Earth is an active, changing planet.

Real-life Rock Cycle Examples

  • The Grand Canyon exposes sedimentary layers due to erosion.
  • Volcanoes create igneous rocks from lava.
  • The Himalayas consist of metamorphic rocks formed deep within Earth.
  • Building materials like marble and slate come from metamorphic rocks.

Rock Cycle Analogy

  • Igneous rocks are like fresh-baked cookies from the magma oven.
  • Sedimentary rocks are like layered cake made of crumbs pressed together.
  • Metamorphic rocks are like reheated and squished cookies with a new texture.

Continental Drift Overview

  • Continental drift is the concept that Earth's continents were once joined and have moved apart over millions of years.
  • Alfred Wegener proposed the theory in 1912.
  • Wegener suggested all land was once a supercontinent called Pangaea.
  • Pangaea broke apart, forming continents that drifted to their current locations.
  • Wegener was right but did not know how the continents moved.

Pangaea Explained

  • Pangaea means "all Earth".
  • It existed about 300 million years ago.
  • Divided into Laurasia (North America, Europe, Asia) and Gondwana (South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia).
  • Continents are still drifting at a rate of 2-5 cm per year.

Wegener's Continental Drift Evidence

  • Puzzle Fit: The coastlines of South America and Africa fit together.
  • Fossil Evidence: Identical fossils of extinct species found across continents.
  • Rock and Mountain Similarities: Mountain ranges share rock types across continents.
  • Glacial Evidence: Glacier marks in warm regions indicate past polar locations.

Initial Rejection of Wegener

  • Wegener could not explain how continents moved.
  • Plate tectonics and convection currents were unknown at the time.

Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

  • Earth's crust is broken into plates.
  • These plates float on the mantle.
  • Mantle movement drives plate and continental movement.

Continental Drift Analogy

  • Continents are like cookie pieces on Earth's mantle (frosting).

Earth's Surface Changes

  • Earth's surface is continually changing due to natural forces.
  • These changes occur slowly (mountain formation) or quickly (landslides).

Weathering

  • Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into sediments.

Types of Weathering

  • Physical Weathering: Rocks break apart without chemical change.
    • Frost wedging: Water freezes, expands in cracks, and breaks rock.
    • Abrasion: Rocks grind against each other.
    • Temperature changes: Expansion and contraction break rocks.
  • Chemical Weathering: Rocks change into new materials chemically.
    • Acid rain dissolving limestone.
    • Rust forming on iron-rich rocks (oxidation).
    • Plants releasing acids through roots

Erosion

  • Erosion is the movement of sediments by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
    • Water: Rivers cut canyons, rain washes soil.
    • Wind: Blows sand in deserts and beaches.
    • Ice: Glaciers scrape land and move rocks.
    • Gravity: Causes landslides and rockfalls

Deposition

  • Deposition is when eroded materials settle in new locations.
  • Examples include river deltas, sand dunes, and beaches.
  • Deposition builds new landforms.

Landforms Created by Processes

  • Weathering creates sediments.
  • Erosion creates valleys, cliffs, and gorges.
  • Deposition creates beaches, dunes, and deltas.
  • Glaciers create U-shaped valleys and moraines.
  • Rivers create canyons.
  • Wind creates arches and sand dunes.
  • Gravity creates landslides and mudslides.

Human Impact on Earth Overview

  • Focuses on human activities' effects on Earth systems and solutions for improvement.

Human Impact Definition

  • Human impact is the effect of human actions on the environment.

Major Negative Human Impacts

  • Climate Change: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases.
  • Air Pollution: From cars, factories, and power plants.
  • Water Pollution: From chemicals, trash, oil spills, and sewage.
  • Land Pollution: Litter, plastic waste, and chemicals pollute the ground.
  • Deforestation: Cutting down forests destroys habitats and increases COâ‚‚.
  • Habitat Loss: Urban sprawl, roads, and farms leave wildlife with nowhere to go, leading to animal extinction.

Impact on Life

  • Air pollution causes breathing problems and sick animals.
  • Water pollution kills fish and marine animals.
  • Habitat loss endangers species and reduces biodiversity.
  • Climate change causes species to migrate and coral reefs to die.

Solutions

  • Reduce fuel use by walking or biking, resulting in less air pollution.
  • Recycle and reduce waste, resulting in less land and water pollution.
  • Use renewable energy, resulting in less greenhouse gas emission.
  • Plant trees and protect forests, resulting in cleaner air and better habitats.
  • Use less water, resulting in protection to rivers and lakes.
  • Buy less plastic, resulting in less trash in oceans and landfills.

Conservation vs. Preservation

  • Conservation: Using resources wisely and responsibly.
  • Preservation: Protecting nature completely.

Human Impact Analogy

  • Earth is like your house: If you take care of it, it lasts longer and stays healthy for everyone.

Scale of Space Overview

  • Understanding the scale of space helps understand Earth's place in the universe and vast distances.

Objects in Space

  • From smallest to largest: Moon, Planet, Star, Solar System, Galaxy, Universe.

Units to Measure Distances in Space

  • Astronomical Unit (AU): Distance from Earth to the Sun (150 million km or 93 million miles); measures distances within our solar system.
  • Light-Year: Distance light travels in one year (6 trillion miles); measures distances to stars and galaxies.
  • Kilometer: For short distances, such as between Earth and Moon.
  • Parsec: Bigger than a light-year (3.26 light-years).

Solar System Characteristics

  • Tiny part of the Milky Way Galaxy.
  • Includes one star (the Sun), 8 planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
  • Planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths.

Galaxy and Universe

  • Galaxy: A massive collection of billions of stars, gas, dust, and planets.
  • Universe: Everything that exists, all galaxies, space, time, matter, and energy.
  • The universe is expanding.

Space Analogy

  • Earth is a tiny dot compared to our Solar System (neighborhood).
  • Solar System is a small city compared to our galaxy (city).
  • Milky Way is one galaxy of many in our Universe (planet).

Solar System Basics

  • Earth rotates (spins) and revolves (orbits).
  • The Moon orbits Earth.
  • The Sun provides light and heat and is orbited by Earth.
  • The constant motions of these three create things we experience every day.

Earth's Motions

  • Rotation (Spin): Earth spins on its axis in ~24 hours, causing day and night.
  • Revolution (Orbit): Earth orbits the Sun in ~365.25 days, causing seasons.

Cause Of Seasons

  • Earth's tilt (23.5°) is the main reason we experience the seasons.
  • When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun the Northern Hemisphere has summer, the Southern Hemisphere has winter.
  • When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun the Northern Hemisphere has winter, the Southern Atmosphere has summer.
  • The spring and fall occur when Earth is in-between being tilted toward and tilted away.

Moon Phases

  • The Moon's phases are because the Moon reflects the Sun's light and appear to change as it orbits Earth.
  • Phases In Order: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.
  • Waxing = Growing light
  • Waning = Shrinking light

Eclipses

  • Eclipses happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun line up.
  • Solar Eclipse: Moon blocks the Sun; happens during a new moon. Can only be seen from certain places on Earth.
  • Lunar Eclipse: Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon; happens during a full moon. More common to see.

Tides

  • Tides: Rising and falling ocean water are caused by the Moon's gravity pulling on Earth.
  • High Tide: When ocean water is pulled toward the Moon.
  • Low Tide: When water flows away from the area.
  • Spring Tides: Sun, Earth, Moon in a line (new/full moon). Very high high tides and very low low tides.
  • Neap Tides: Moon is at a 90° angle (first/last quarter). Less extreme tides.

Earth-Moon-Sun System Analogy

  • The Sun is the lamp for the planets
  • Earth is a spinning globe moving around the lamp.
  • Movements creates patterns we see.

Determining Hemisphere Tilt

  • Step 1: Look at Earth's axis to find the tilt.
  • Step 2: Check the direction of the tilt: if the North Pole points toward the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun (summer in the north, winter in the south).
  • If the North Pole points away from the Sun: Northern Hemisphere is tilted away) It’s winter in the north, summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Note that The hemisphere in the shadow gets less direct light because Even though half of Earth is always lit.
  • Quick Trick: point toward the sun: north hemisphere is summer, Point away from Sun: northern hemisphere is winter.

Basics of Gravity

  • Gravity: A force that pulls objects toward each other.
  • The more mass an object has, the stronger its gravity.
  • The closer two objects are, the stronger the pull between them.
  • Gravity is the reason: you stay on the ground, the Moon orbits Earth, and the planets orbit the Sun

Gravity Examples

  • Controls the moon which keeps orbiting it (earth)
  • Controls the planets as they orbit the sun
  • Creates pull on Earth's oceans → tides (moon)

Comparing Mass and Weight

  • Mass: The amount of matter in something. Measured in kilograms. Never changes (no matter where you are).
  • Weight: The force of gravity acting on your mass. Measured in newtons or pounds. Changes depending on gravity. On the moon (less gravity) your mass is the same but your weight is much less.

Orbits - Gravity and Motion

  • Planets and moons don’t fall into each other because both Gravity pulls them together and their forwards motion keeps them moving around.
  • Orbit Analogy: A planet is falling toward the Sun, but it's moving fast enough to keep missing it — so it keeps going in a circle or ellipse

Importance of Gravity

  • Creates planets, stars, and moons. Responsible for orbits. Holds galaxies together. Causes black holes.
  • Without gravity, there would be no solar systems.

Gravity Analogy

  • Imagine swinging a ball on a string: the string = gravity and the Ball = a planet. Cut the string, the planet flies off → with no gravity = no orbit.

Geologic Time Scale Basics

  • The Geologic Time Scale is like Earth’s calendar, but tracks billions of years of Earth’s history instead of days and years.
  • Helps scientists understand major events (mass extinctions, first life, etc.) and when organisms lived.

Duration of Earths History

  • Earth is about 4.6 billion years old.
  • Compared to Earth, humans have only been around for a tiny blink of time!

Time Scale Divisions

  • The Geologic Time Scale is broken into chunks from largest to smallest: Eon, Era, Period, Epoch.
  • Eon is the Longest span of time, Era is the Next biggest chunk (hundreds of millions of years), Period is the Smaller section (like Jurassic Period) and Epoch is the Shortest span of geologic time

Major Time Scale Divisions

  • Paleozoic Era: Marine life, early plants, and insects. Saw the first land animals. Ended with the largest mass extinction ever.
  • Mesozoic Era Age of Reptiles: Dinosaurs ruled. The first birds and flowering plants emerged. Ended with a mass extinction (asteroid) ~65 million years ago.
  • Cenozoic Era: Age of Mammals. Mammals become dominant. Humans appear. This is the era we're in right now!

Fossils and Rocks

  • Scientists use fossils and sedimentary rock layers to both figure out the order of events in Earth’s history and tell which organisms lived during which periods.
  • Fossils found in deeper layers = older and Fossils found closer to the surface = more recent.

Masses and Time

  • Mass extinctions end an era or period.
  • They allow scientists to divide the timeline based on what life forms disappear and appear

Geologic Time Analogy

  • If Earth’s history were a 24-hour clock: Humans show up at 11:59:59 PM.
  • We’ve only been here for 1 second in all of Earth’s time!

Definition of Energy

  • Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
  • Anything that moves, heats up, lights up, or makes sound uses energy.

Two Main Types of Energy

  • Potential Energy: Stored energy, ready to be used.
  • Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.

All The Different Forms of Energy

  • Mechanical: Movement of objects
  • Thermal (Heat): Movement of particles (faster = hotter)
  • Light (Radiant): Energy from light waves
  • Sound: Energy from vibrations
  • Electrical: Movement of electrons
  • Chemical: Stored in bonds of molecules
  • Nuclear: Stored in the nucleus of atoms

Law of The Universe

  • Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can only be transformed (changed) or transferred (moved) from one thing to another.
  • Toasters transform electrical energy into thermal and light energy

Thermodynamics

  • Thermodynamics is the key to how heat energy moves and changes.
  • Heat always flows from hot → cold until both objects are the same temperature (called thermal equilibrium).

Three Types of Heat Transfers

  • Conduction: Heat moves by direct contact.
  • Convection: Heat moves through liquids or gases in currents.
  • Radiation: Heat moves through empty space as waves.

Insulators and Conductors

  • Conductors: Let heat pass through easily (Metals like copper or aluminum).
  • Insulators: Slow down heat transfer (Wood, rubber, plastic, cloth, foam).

Energy Analogy

  • Think of energy like money: You can spend it, save it, or change how it’s used.
  • You you never lose it — it just changes form!

Phase Change Defined

  • A phase change (or state change) is when matter changes form between solid, liquid, and gas, but the substance stays the same
  • Water is still Hâ‚‚O whether it’s ice, liquid, or steam

States of Matter

  • Solid: Packed tightly, and vibrate in place. Have both a Definite shape and volume
  • Liquid: Loosely connected, slide past each other. Have No shape but a definite volume
  • Gas: Move freely, spread out fast. No shape or volume

Types of Phase Changes

  • Melting: When solids turn into liquids through the addition of heat.
  • Freezing:* The opposite process of melting Evaporation/Boiling:* When a liquid turns into has through the addition of heat Condensation:* The opposite process to evaporation
  • Sublimation:* When solid turns into a gas directly through the addition of heat
  • Deposition:* When a gas turns directly into a solid

Molecules: What You Need to Know

  • Molecules are two or more atoms bonded together
  • Think of atoms as building blocks and molecules as the final build

Molecules and Atoms

  • Atom: The smallest unit of an element in the world
  • Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded together (can be identical or very different atoms) in unique compounds

Breaking Molecules Down

  • Elements: A pure substance made of 1 kind of atom For Examples: Oxygen or gold
  • Molecule: 2+ atoms bonded together (same or different) such as Oâ‚‚ or Hâ‚‚O
  • Compound: A molecule with different atoms (elements) which are COâ‚‚ and NaCl

How Phase Changes Work

  • Add heat → particles move faster and spread out
  • Remove heat → particles slow down and get closer together

Molecules Behaving

  • In solids, molecules are tightly packed and vibrate.
  • In liquids, molecules move around but stay close, flowing
  • In gases, molecules fly freely and spread apart

Molecular Formulas

  • Molecular Formulas show each atoms' number within the formulas
  • This Helps show that the correct number of atoms has been collected

Analogy Molecules

  • Atoms are like letters
  • Molecules are like words
  • Build tons of words (molecules) using just a few letters (atoms) to increase the building possibility

Chemical Reactions Defined

  • New substances and property changes occur in this process

How Changes Actually Occur in Detail

  • Atoms rearrange, never destroyed or created
  • 2 parts involved: The reactants to start and the products being made

Chemical Reactions: Signs of Reactions

  • Temperature Change
  • Gas Being Produced
  • Colors Changing
  • Formation of Solids
  • New smells produced

Building a Reaction Properly

  • Reactants---Products

Equation Chemistry and mass conservation

  • Law of Conservation of Mass: Never created / destroyed

Physical and Chemical Changes Compared

  • Physical Changes: Changing the same substance (no new matter) for both can often be reversed. Ice turns to water
  • Chemical Changes: New changes are rarely reversed. An example being cooking cakes

Analogy for Chemistry

  • Atoms being like Legos
  • Taking Apart (Reactants) old legos, building new shapes to build lego set to resemble (Products)

Law Of Conservation

  • Stating a law to conserve matter (neither created or destroyed) which changes forms, always

Formula: From Start to Finish for both chemical/physical changes

  • Must Remain the same after a chemical reaction

How Reactions Affect Systems

  • Box Visuals: Gases can escape, Mass is the same whether done carefully or not
  • Atoms NEVER lost / increased, it must simply be changed from the source.

Ex of Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Regardless of if mass changes Outside of the reaction, the mass Prior = mass After reaction

Common Reaction Misconceptions

There are incorrect assumptions with chemical reactions, such as

  • Gas Simply Disappears
  • Atoms Vanishing
  • And mass changing in reactions.

Building Analogy with LEGO

  • Can be built, rebuilt and broken apart in the same process

Energy Changes

  • Chemical Bonds will break and form inside

The 2 Types of Reactions That Affect Chemistry Itself

  • Exothermic: Where energy is Released heat or to some sources
  • Endothermic: Energy will then be Absorbed from itself

Bonds and Effects

  • Breaking Bonds: Requires to take energy
  • Forming Bonds: Always releases energy

Chemical Reactions Example

  • Exothermic: Lighting a Match = The heat is absorbed
  • Endothermic: Plants use Photosynthesis = Heat being absorbed.

Financial Take of Reactions

  • Exothermic: You Give away = Others feel richer (Warmer). A match gets lit and provides warmth everywhere with heat
  • Endothermic: Spend money to get things = You feel poorer (Colder) Taking a heat bill to warm water, leaves you with the bill and cold hands without gloves

Materials that are Synthetic 🧪

  • Synthetic is from Humans, who have done chemical changes to existing resource
  • Synthetic is made but in a final form. Plastics

Comparison of natural & synthetic

  • Natural;*
  • All Found in Nature Ex. Cotton, Gold, Wood, Oil, Minerals etc.
  • Synthetic:*
  • All made by Humans Ex. Plastics, Rubber, Medicines. Chemicals

Manufacture of Synthetic Materials

  • Heat Pressure use in Catalysts to chemical react each one
  •   Results- Subtance new
      Ex. Oil to Plastic
    

Common Synthetics and What can be Produced

  • Plastics ---- Crude Oil (Bottles, Bags other various containers)
  • Nylon ---- PetroChemical Clothing ( Rope or fishing Lines)
  • Synthetic Rubber ---- Natural Gas and Oil (Tires, Gloves and Tubing)

Advantaged / Disadvantages

  • Cheap -- Cost Effective for low income
  • Mass Production -- Fast pace of production
  • Customizable
  • Long Product Life
  • Non- Renewable is a Major Concern.

Analogy Example

Start with Cake

  • Mix all ingredients to bake (eggs to flower) all chemically changes
  • Its still cake.

Intro to Cell & Their Importance

  • Cells are the smallest part of any living form that allows it to thrive
  • Every organism is a cell: Plants, Bacteria, Humans.

CELL TYPES

Prokaryotic:

  • Simple, No Nucleus, Single Cellular
  • Can live in extreme conditions Eukaryotic:
  • Humans, Complex, Multi-cellular
  • Nucleus w/ Organeslles.

Parts of The Cell

  • Each Part Has its role, they function on each of the following
  • Cell Membrane = Controls what goes in/out
  • Cell Wall (Plants) = Support the Wall
  • Mitochondira: Powerhouse
  • Choloplast: Creates Food in Sun (Plant)
  • Vacuale: Store/Nutrients within

Animal VS Plant CELLS

  • Animal Cells are Circular, not Boxy-Looking
  • Cell Walls = PLANTS Only
  • Choloplast = Plants Only with Extra LARGE Vacuoles

UNI/ MULTICELLULAR

  • One of the reasons living Things exist, their purpose.
  • Living Organisms have a place in the world and are made of CELLS.

Important Notes for UNICELLULAR AND MULTICELLULAR Notes

  • Organization: Single Vs. Multi
  • Reproduction: Both can Asexual Reproduce.
  • Cells -> Tissues-Organs -> Organ System;

Body Systems

  • What the Orgins do, work for.
  • Each Has Main Job, Together for healthy

Human Systems Breakdown

  • Circulatory: Heart/Blood, Vessels, BLOOD
  • Respitory: Carbon/Lung
  • Digestive: Mouth/ Stom./ Liver
  • Nervous Systerm, Spinal Core
  • Muscle System: Muscle/skeetal
  • System: Bone
  • Excretory: Bladder/SklN
  • Immune: White Blood + Lymh
  • Endocrine: Growth Hormone and Glands
  • Integumentary: Defend Body
  • Reproductive: To Reproduce

Working

  • All Systems dont work ALONE/ by THEMSELVES
  • Neuro Tells Muscle,
  • Circulatory: Oxygen to Muscle,
  • Reapratory Sends Out THE Oxygen to Breathe

Organized

  • Cell, Tissues, Orin System and Organism Together

Body Analogy

  • Body = Worker
  • Heart = Delivery
  • Brains = Boss
  • Lungs = Team
  • Skin = Protection

What is Genetics?

  • Genetic is the study to how traits are Inherited

Vocab:

  • Gene: Section to code triats
  • Chromosome: DNA = 46 INTOTAL
  • Allele: Gene - from each / one parent
  • Dom: Trait appear + copy
  • Recession: Has 2+ if Only Show

Genetics -Dominant and Recession

  • *Dom ---- has triat present with letter A - AA or Aa

    While:

  • *Recessiive **Only shows if All allele is recessive a

  • AA* = 75 % will dominate.AA** = %Show Receissive

What is Natural?

  • If the environemnt Chane will need some TRIATS
  • Adaptablitiy is important

Natural Anology

  • Hide & Seek =
  • Hiders + best traits = SURVIVE.
  • Reproduability is greates to pass
  • The populaiton is good at hiding to survive

Evolution

  • A change in species over time
  • Explains Common Relationship / Ancestor
  • Slowly Over Years
  • By Natually and Gene

Evolution Evidence

  • Show how has changed
  • Anatomy: Similar Bone; Link Species
  • Embrvo: Embryos show common relation

Genetics

  • Changes overtime and relation between

DNA= The Code of Life

  • Carry the instructions to build Shaped like Helix
  • Adenine with Thymine (AT) -C pairs to Guanine
  • Located; Nucleus

Genes

  • Carry Code / Trait
  • Genes are small segemtns Has 46 Both Traits Show-

Hereditary

  • Have Gene = From parents Blood/ Eye color
  • Acquired- - From the environment around- Language/ Scars /Muscles

DNA:

  • Dominant Will Always SHOWS = Aa OR AA show always Recessive = Only 2 alike exist will Show!

Pounnett Squres

  • Tools = Predicit Probalities.
  • 2 AA 50% & AA / 25

Code Change

  • (DNA)Sequence can change, HELP or HURT
  • Traits may appear from previous generations over.

Sexual Intercourse Creates

  • From both parents = Gene

DNA= Analogy

  • Recipe
  • Genes = recipes
  • ALLELE -version Mutations can be good/bad at times.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser