Understanding Matter
What is matter?
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
Describe the characteristics of solids.
Solids have a definite shape and volume; their particles are packed tightly together.
What is kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
What is thermal energy?
Thermal energy is the total energy of all the particles in an object.
What is the geosphere?
The geosphere is the solid part of Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core
Name the three main states of matter.
Solid, liquid, and gas.
What happens to a liquid when it is poured into a different container?
A liquid takes the shape of its container but maintains its volume.
What is potential energy?
Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work.
How does heat transfer between two objects?
Heat transfers from a hotter object to a cooler one until both reach the same temperature.
Describe the hydrosphere.
The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth, found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and as water vapor.
What is a physical property? Give an example.
A physical property can be observed without changing the substance. Example: color, shape, size.
Explain evaporation.
Evaporation is when a liquid turns into a gas, usually due to heating
Write the formula for kinetic energy.
KE=1/2mv2
What is conduction? Give an example.
Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact. Example: a metal spoon getting warm in hot soup.
What is the water cycle?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
What is the difference between physical changes and chemical changes?
Physical changes do not alter the chemical composition (e.g., melting ice), while chemical changes result in new substances (e.g., burning wood)
What is condensation? Provide an example.
Condensation is when a gas turns back into a liquid. Example: water droplets on a cold glass.
Describe the Law of Conservation of Energy.
Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms
Explain convection and provide an example.
Convection is heat transfer in fluids, where warmer parts rise and cooler parts sink. Example: boiling water.
How do sunlight and energy flow through Earth's systems?
Sunlight provides energy for processes like photosynthesis, driving energy flow through the food chain.
How do we measure mass and volume?
Mass is measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg), and volume is measured in liters (L) or cubic centimeters (cm³).
How can gases be compressed?
Gases can be compressed because their particles are far apart and move freely, allowing them to fit into smaller spaces.
How do forces affect motion?
Forces are pushes or pulls that can cause an object to move or change its motion.
What is radiation?
Radiation is heat transfer through electromagnetic waves without requiring contact.
What impact does erosion have on the geosphere?
Erosion shapes landscapes over time by wearing down rocks and moving soil and sediment.