Science SOL 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6 Review: Weather, Planets, and Earth-Sun-Moon Systems

A set of practice flashcards covering Virginia Science SOL 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6, including weather phenomena, solar system characteristics, and Earth-Sun-Moon relationships.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere for a given area, while climate is the weather of a given area averaged over many years (at least 30 years).

What types of weather conditions are associated with high pressure air masses?

Clear skies and light winds.

What types of weather conditions are associated with low pressure air masses?

Stormy weather and strong winds.

Which weather tool is used to measure air pressure?

A barometer.

Which weather tool is used to measure wind speed?

An anemometer.

What does a thermometer measure?

Air temperature.

What are the characteristics of Cumulus clouds?

They are fluffy and white with flat bottoms and usually indicate fair weather.

Which specific cloud type is large, dark, and often produces thunderstorms?

Cumulonimbus.

Which extreme weather event occurs over warm, tropical waters and have winds equal to or greater than 74 miles per hour.

Hurricanes.

Which extreme weather event forms from thunderstorms as the wind changes direction and the air begins to rotate.

Tornadoes.

What is the correct order of the eight planets starting from the sun?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Why is Pluto no longer included in the list of planets in our solar system?

Due to its small size and irregular orbit.

Which planet is the smallest in our solar system and resembles Earth's moon?

Mercury.

What feature of Venus causes its high surface temperatures?

A permanent blanket of clouds that traps thermal energy.

Which planet is roughly half the size of Earth and possesses a thin atmosphere with canyons and riverbeds?

Mars.

What are the four terrestrial (inner) planets?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

What are the four gas giants (outer planets)?

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

What unique characteristic defines the rotation of Uranus?

It spins on its side.

What gas giant is almost ten times the size of Earth and has an atmosphere similar to Jupiter?

Saturn.

Why does Neptune appear to be the color blue?

Because of its atmosphere.

What are the four primary phases of the moon mentioned in the notes?

New, first quarter, full, and last (third) quarter.

What moon phases are associated with the highest tidal ranges?

Full and new moons.

What causes the phases of the moon?

The moon’s position relative to the Earth and the sun and the reflection of sunlight off the moon’s surface.

What phenomenon is caused by the Earth's rotation?

Day and night.

What two factors work together to cause the seasons on Earth?

Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the sun.