2. Introduction to Matter & Carbon

If ‘matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed,’ then

Carbon atoms don't disappear; they just move around and change form.

4 Matter Cycles Through Earth:

Carbon, water, nitrogen and oxygen cycles

Carbon is…

the building block of life

Carbon forms the backbone of…

DNA (genetic code), Proteins (muscles), and Carbohydrates (energy)

Where is carbon stored in the Atmosphere?

In Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4)

Where is carbon stored in the Biosphere?

In all living organisms, organic matter

Where is carbon stored in the Hydrosphere?

In dissolved CO2 and marine organisms

Where is carbon stored in the Lithosphere?

In sedimentary limestone rocks and fossil fuels

What are the two sources of energy that drive the movement of matter on Earth

The sun and earth’s internal heat

How do each of the two energy sources contribute to powering the rock cycle

The internal heat builds and changes rocks underground and the sun moves and breaks down rocks at the surface

Does Earth’s total mas change?

Yes, matter arrives from space and hydrogen and helium escape, which causes a loss of mass