Advanced Geophysical Science Final Exam Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering geophysical science concepts including physics laws, chemistry basics, the scientific method, and environmental science.

Potential energy

Conserved energy that is stored.

Power

The property that a $200\text{-watt}$ light bulb has more of compared to a $100\text{-watt}$ light bulb.

Inertia

An object's resistance to force.

Atomic number

The value in an atom that is equal to the number of protons.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with a charge of $0$ located in the nucleus.

Subatomic particle

Particles that are made up of protons and neutrons.

Newton's First Law of Motion

The Law of Inertia.

Newton's Second Law of Motion

The law stating that force equals mass times acceleration ($F = ma$); also known as the Law of Acceleration.

SI units for mass

$$kg$$

Kilometers in $100,000$ meters

$$100$$

Milligrams in $100$ grams

$$100,000\text{ milligrams}$$

mm

The metric abbreviation for millimeter.

m

The metric abbreviation for meter.

SI Units for Acceleration

$$m/s^2$$

SI Units for Velocity

$$m/s$$

pH Scale

A scale from $0$ to $14$ where $0$ represents acid, $7$ is neutral, and $14$ represents base.

Physical change

A change in matter such as melting.

Chemical change

A change in matter such as digestion.

Scientific method

A systematic approach to problem solving.

Scientific Method Steps (In Order)

Problem, Hypothesis, Procedure, Observation, Conclusion.

Antacid tablet chemical property

Acts as a buffer with a $pH = 7$.

Greenhouse emission

Gas that traps heat.

Similarity of liquids and gases

Both states of matter are considered fluids.

Difference between liquids and gases

Gases do not have a definite volume, whereas liquids do.

Determination of valence electrons

Identified by the group number of the atom.

Negative charge in an atom

Occurs when an atom gains electrons.

Positive charge in an atom

Occurs when an atom loses electrons.

Covalent bonding

Occurs when two non-metals share a pair of electrons.

Ionic bonding

Occurs when a metal and a non-metal transfer electrons.

Momentum

A property determined by an object's mass and velocity ($M \times V$).

Impulse

The change in momentum.

Hydrosphere

All water on Earth.

Weathering

The break down of rock.

Erosion

The process of being worn away.

Ecological footprint

The amount of land needed to sustain a population.