Cycles of Matter Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the conservation laws, water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle.

Law of Conservation of Mass

A fundamental principle stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed; it only changes form.

Law of Conservation of Energy

A fundamental principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed.

Evaporation

The process in which liquid water changes into water vapor due to heat provided by the sun.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and turns back into liquid droplets.

Precipitation

Water falling from clouds to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Sun's Role in the Water Cycle

Provides energy that drives evaporation and powers the entire water cycle.

Bacteria (Nitrogen Cycle)

Organisms responsible for fixing nitrogen so it can be utilized by plants.

Plant Use of Nitrogen

Plants use nitrogen to build proteins and other complex compounds.

Animal Acquisition of Nitrogen

Animals obtain nitrogen by eating plants or eating animals that ate plants.

Fungi (Nitrogen Cycle)

Decomposers that break down nitrogen when organisms die.

Biological Importance of Nitrogen

An essential element needed by living organisms to build proteins and DNA.

Photosynthesis

A natural process carried out by plants that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Respiration

A biological process through which carbon is returned to the atmosphere.

Human Activities Adding Carbon

Activities such as driving cars, burning fossil fuels, and operating factories that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Natural Processes Removing Carbon

Environmental mechanisms that absorb carbon dioxide, such as photosynthesis in plants and oceans absorbing $CO_2$.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of carbon dioxide a person adds to the atmosphere.

Actions to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Practices such as planting trees, riding a bike, and reducing electricity use.

Importance of Cycles of Matter

Processes that continuously provide essential nutrients and resources required for life.