Earth Layers
Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of solid iron and nickel and lies at the very center?
Inner core
What is the first step in the scientific method where scientists ask a question based on observations?
Ask a question / make an observation.
List the four main Earth spheres (straight list)
Geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere.
What is the name of the imaginary line at 0° latitude?
Equator
What is the element symbol for Iron?
Ag
What is the rigid outermost layer of Earth called that includes the crust and the uppermost mantle?
Lithosphere
Define "hypothesis" in a scientific investigation.
A testable prediction that explains observations; a tentative explanation.
Give one example of an interaction between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere
Evaporation from oceans (hydrosphere) adds moisture to the atmosphere, forming clouds and precipitation.
Which meridian is defined as 0° longitude?
Prime Meridian (Greenwich Meridian).
What is the element symbol for Nickel?
Ni
Which layer is our magnetic field?
Outer Core
What variable is changed by the experimenter and what variable is measured? (Name both.)
Independent variable (changed by experimenter); dependent variable (measured).
Explain how the biosphere can affect the geosphere (one clear example).
Tree roots (biosphere) break up rock (geosphere) promoting weathering and soil formation.
If a location is at 30° S, 60° W, in which hemisphere(s) (north/south and east/west) is it located?
30° S means Southern Hemisphere; 60° W means Western Hemisphere.
What is the element symbol for Tin?
Sn
Name the Earth‘s thinnest layer.
Crust
Describe the importance of peer review in scientific inquiry.
Peer review checks methods and conclusions for bias and error before acceptance.
Describe how solar energy drives processes in at least two different Earth systems.
Solar energy causes atmospheric heating that drives convection and weather; it also warms ocean surfaces, driving currents and evaporation.
Explain how longitude and time zones are related
Earth's rotation defines 24 time zones, each roughly 15° of longitude; local solar time changes by about one hour per 15° of longitude.
What is the element symbol for Lead?
Pb
Explain what are the true names of P-waves and S-waves and what do scientists study determine that Earth
P-waves (pressure) travel through solids and liquids; S-waves (shear) do not travel through liquids. They study earthquakes.
A student proposes that increased water content in more landslides. Design a brief experimental outline (independent variable, dependent variable) to test this hypothesis.
Independent variable: water content (e.g., 5%, 10%, 20%). Dependent variable: number/size of slope failures under a standardized slope stress test. Keep slope angle, soil type, and compaction constant; run multiple trials.
Which system contains all living things?
Biosphere
A ship sails from 20° N, 10° W to 35° N, 25° E. Describe qualitatively how its latitude and longitude change (increase/decrease and direction).
Latitude increases (from 20° N to 35° N — moves farther north). Longitude changes from 10° W to 25° E:
What is the element symbol for Sulfur?
S