Photosynthesis and Energy Transfer

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers plant cell structures, the process of photosynthesis, and various physics concepts related to energy transfer and waves.

Chloroplasts

Special structures in plant cells that contain a green pigment called chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment that absorbs sunlight and allows photosynthesis to happen.

Photosynthesis Equation

$$\text{carbon dioxide} + \text{water} \rightarrow \text{oxygen} + \text{glucose}$$

Starch

The substance that excess glucose is rapidly converted into in the leaf; its presence is tested to show photosynthesis occurred.

Conduction

The process where particles in a material gain energy, vibrate more, and collide with neighboring particles to pass heat energy through, working best in solids like metals.

Insulators

Materials that are not very good at passing heat energy through them, such as plastic and glass.

Convection

A method of energy transfer in liquids and gases where particles gain energy, move further apart, become less dense, and rise.

Convection currents

Cycles set up when particles cool down, get closer together, and fall, while hotter particles rise, transferring energy from hotter to colder areas.

Infrared radiation

A type of electromagnetic wave emitted by all objects; the hotter the object, the more of it is emitted.

Dark, matt surfaces

Surfaces characterized as being good emitters and absorbers of infrared radiation.

Light, shiny surfaces

Surfaces characterized as being good reflectors and poor absorbers/emitters of infrared radiation.

Refraction

The phenomenon that occurs when light bends on passing from one material into another, such as air into glass.

Amplitude

The property of a sound wave where an increase in size results in a louder sound.

Waves

Vibrations or movements up and down that move.

Evaporation

The process described when water leaves the body after swimming, transferring energy from the body to the surroundings and making one feel cold.

Leaf Anatomy (Structures)

Includes the epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, xylem, phloem, veins, and stoma.