Atomic Structure
Name the three subatomic particles found in a typical atom
Electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Where can I find an element?
On the Periodic Table of Elements
What nickname describes water’s ability to dissolve many substances?
Universal Solvent
What is weathering?
The breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces.
What is a watershed?
The land area that drains into a particular body of water.
Which two subatomic particles are located in the nucleus?
Protons and neutrons
Give the chemical symbol for oxygen.
O.
Define cohesion in one sentence as it relates to water.
Cohesion: water molecules stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.
What is erosion?
The movement (transport) of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice.
Name the major estuary watershed that Virginia drains into.
The Chesapeake Bay watershed.
If an atom has 6 protons, what element is it? (Give the element name.)
Carbon.
What is the difference between a chemical symbol and a chemical formula?
A chemical symbol represents a single element (one or two letters); a chemical formula shows a compound and the ratio of atoms of each element in the compound.
Define adhesion in one sentence as it relates to water.
Adhesion: water molecules stick to other surfaces (like soil, glass) due to attraction between molecules.
Give one example of physical (mechanical) weathering involving water.
Water freezing in cracks (freeze–thaw) that expands and breaks rock apart.
The James River is an example of what in relation to a larger river or watershed?
A tributary
Which subatomic particle moves around the nucleus and has a negative charge?
Electron — electrons move around the nucleus and have a negative charge.
Write the chemical formula for water and explain what the subscript(s) mean
H2O — The subscript 2 shows there are two hydrogen atoms for every one oxygen atom.
What is surface tension and what causes it in water?
Surface tension is the ability of a liquid surface to resist external force; caused by cohesive forces between water molecules.
Give one example of chemical weathering involving water.
Acidic rainwater dissolving minerals and altering rock composition.
Approximately what percent of Earth's water is salt water?
About 97 percent.
Draw a Bohr model for an atom that has 8 protons and 8 electrons. Show the nucleus and the electron shells with the correct number of electrons on each shell.
Expected Bohr model for oxygen (8 protons, 8 electrons): nucleus labeled with 8 protons and (optionally) 8 neutrons; first electron shell with 2 electrons; second shell with 6 electrons. (Students should show 2 electrons on the inner shell and 6 on the outer shell.)
A compound contains 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom per molecule. How would that be shown in its formula? Explain.
H2O — The subscript 2 after H indicates two hydrogen atoms per molecule.
Explain why water can exist commonly as a solid, liquid, and gas on Earth
Because Earth's temperatures and pressure allow water’s melting and boiling points to occur commonly here, water naturally exists as solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor)
Explain how thermal energy relates to phase changes in water
Thermal energy increases molecular kinetic energy; adding thermal energy can melt ice to liquid or evaporate liquid to gas.
Explain two reasons (one sentence each) why protecting watersheds is important for people and ecosystems.
Sample answers: (1) Protects drinking water quality for people; (2) Maintains habitat and biodiversity for plants and animals.