Chapter 2 Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and definitions from Chapter 2.

Law of conservation of matter

States matter can be transformed from one type to another, but cannot be created nor destroyed.

Element

Substances with specific properties that cannot be broken down.

Isotope

Elements that have different number of neutrons and different masses.

Half-life

The amount of time it will take half the atoms in a sample to decay.

Plastic

A type of hydrocarbon made from petroleum products.

Molecule

Combinations of two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

Energy

The capacity to change the position, composition, or temperature of matter.

Autotrophs

Organisms that use the sun's radiation directly to produce their own food.

Mass Wasting

The downward gravitational movement that causes landslides.

Rock

Any solid aggregation of minerals.

Mineral

Any naturally occurring solid element or inorganic compound with a crystal structure, distinct chemical composition, and physical properties.

Earthquake

Sudden release of energy at a tectonic plate boundary.

Volcano

Formed where molten rock, ash, or hot gas erupts through Earth's surface.

Landslide

Occurs when large amounts of rocks or soil collapse and flow downhill.

Tsunami

Waves that occur when earthquakes, volcanoes, or landslides displace huge volumes of ocean water.

Pyroclastic Flow

Fast moving, high-density current of volcanic gas, ash, pumice, and hot lava that travels at very high speeds down a volcano's slopes.

Atom

The basic unit of life.

Organic Compounds

Compounds that contain Carbon; inorganic compounds do not.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Radioisotopes decay

Radioisotopes turn into smaller radio isotopes until they eventually become stable.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy can change form, but cannot be created or destroyed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy tends to change from a more ordered state to a less ordered state.

Photosynthesis

The process of converting solar energy to chemical energy.

Cellular Respiration

The process that powers all living things by converting energy for use.

Layers of the Earth

Inner core, outer core, mantle, asthenosphere, lithosphere, crust.

Divergent Plate Boundaries

Plates move apart as magma rises to the surface and cools, such as ocean ridges.

Transform Plate Boundaries

Plates slide and grind alongside each other, causing earthquakes.

Convergent Plate Boundaries

Where oceanic crust moves downward under continental crust, leading to features like volcanoes.

Rock Cycle

Processes by which rocks are formed, altered, destroyed, and reformed.

Igneous Rock

Rock that forms when lava or magma cools.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from compacted and cemented layers of sediment.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock formed through heat and pressure that alters its mineral composition.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into sediment.

Erosion

The movement of sediment caused by wind, water, or ice.

Developing Countries

Countries that are more susceptible to damages from natural disasters due to lack of resources.

Ring of Fire

The circum-Pacific belt where there is large tectonic movement and volcanoes.