Theories, Atmosphere, Layers, Mineral

big bang theory

• states that the universe began from a single dense point, expanded, and grew to its current size.

• most widely accepted theory of the universe.

• per this, time and space started 13.7 billion years ago

oscillating universe theory

• states that the universe undergoes periods of expansion and contraction, leading to a 'Big Crunch' followed by a new Big Bang.

steady state theory

• states that the universe's density remains constant despite continuous expansion.

aphelion

• the farthest distance of the earth from the sun

• occurs on July 5th when the earth is 94,500,000 miles away.

perihelion

• the nearest distance of the earth from the sun

• occurs on January 4th when the earth is 91,400,000 miles away.

right distance from the sun

the ______ makes life possible on earth.

magnetic field

supports the eath from solar radiation and solar flames.

water and carbon

produces the needed chemicals for the biosphere to live.

atmosphere

• layer of mixed gases that shield us from UV radiation

• acts like a blanket and shield for the planet.

troposphere

• the first layer of the atmosphere where temperature decreases with height and where most weather changes occur.

• contains more than 90% of the total gases in the atmosphere.

• almost all weather changes occur in this layer.

stratosphere

• the second layer of the atmosphere that absorbs UV radiation due to ozone, with a temperature rise as altitude increases.

• temperature is around 4 degrees celsius.

mesosphere

the third and coldest layer of the atmosphere, where temperatures can drop to 90°C.

meteoroid

when a meteor is still in space.

meteor

when it passes through the earth’s atmosphere.

meteorite

when the meteor falls to the ground.

thermosphere

layer above the mesosphere with increasing temperatures due to UV and X-Ray absorption, aiding long-distance communication.

helium, nitrogen, and oxygen

gases in thermosphere

exosphere

• the outermost layer of the atmosphere, with high temperatures (300°C to 1650°C) and low oxygen levels.

• contains least amount of o2, argon, helium, atc.

lithosphere

the solid, outer part of the Earth, including the upper mantle and crust.

upper mantle and crust

components of lithosphere

hydrosphere

• all the water on Earth, covering about 71% of its surface, including oceans and freshwater.

cryosphere

• frozen part of the hydrosphere

71%, 3%, 97%

__ of earth’s surface is covered in water, with __ in freshwater, and __ saltwater.

biosphere

• a thin layer of the Earth’s surface that supports life.

• made up of living organisms and their nonliving environment.

rocks

• natural substances composed of different minerals/mineraloids.

• can be formed through life processes

minerals

• composed of elements and cannot be produced by life processes.

• usually of crystalline form and has one specific chemical composition

quarts

silicon + oxygen

granite rock

quartz + feldspar + biotite

external crystal form

external shape of a crystal or the aggregate of crystals.

cleavage

the tendency of minerals to break along smooth, flat surfaces.

fracture

the tendency of minerals to break unevenly or in jagged edges.

luster

the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral, classified as metallic or non-metallic.

streak

the color of a mineral's powder when rubbed on an unglazed porcelain streak plate.

unglazed porcelain streak plate

where a mineral is rubbed to find the streak.

color

an unreliable/less reliable clue in a mineral’s identity

transparency

the property of a mineral to allow light to pass through, classified as transparent, translucent, or opaque.

transparent

when you can see clearly through a mineral.

transluscent

when light comes through a mineral but not clearly

opaque

when no light comes through an object

crystal structure

• atomic arrange of the minerals

• a minerals shape naturally forms depending on its crystal structure

hardness

the measure of a mineral's ability to scratch another mineral.

moh’s hardness scale

scale used to measure the relative resistance of a mineral to scratching.

talc, gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, feldspar, quartz, topaz, corundum, diamond

softest to hardest minerals

specific gravity

the ratio of a mineral's weight compared to the weight of an equal volume of water.