Lab Pratical II study guide

What substances are greenhouse gasses?

Greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

How are scientists able to measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thousands of years ago?

Scientists measure past atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by analyzing ice core samples, which trap air bubbles that contain ancient atmospheric gases.

What two factors cause sea level rise?

The two factors that cause sea level rise are the melting of ice (such as Arctic sea ice and glaciers) and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

How does the current concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere compare to historic atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?

The current concentration of carbon dioxide is higher than historic atmospheric levels, which have been relatively stable for thousands of years until recent increases.

What area of the globe has shown the most warming over the past 20 years?

The Arctic region has shown the most warming over the past 20 years.

What two substances make up smog?

When smoke and fog combine.

What two substances in the presence of sunlight produce smog?

Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. 

What does "AQI" mean? 

Air Quality Index.

What pollutants are tracked by the AQI?

Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and particulate matter.

Define potable water.

Water that is safe to drink after treatment to remove sediments and pathogens.

Define Aeration.

The process of adding air to water, which allows gases such as carbon dioxide to escape and helps remove some dissolved metals and industrial chemicals.

Define Floc.

Clumps of particles formed during coagulation, consisting of dirt and other particles combined with flocculants like aluminum sulfate, making them easier to remove from water.

Define Coagulation.

The process by which dirt and other particles in water clump together into floc, aiding in their removal during treatment.

Define Groundwater.

Water located underground in the pores between rocks.

Define surface water.

Water from lakes and rivers, which is the ultimate water source for many public water supplies.

What are the steps of water treatment in order?

Aeration, Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Disinfection, and Additional processing (such as pH adjustment and fluoride addition)

What substances are used to filter water?

Sand, pebbles, and charcoal

What substances are used to disinfect water?

Chemicals and/or ultraviolet radiation

What is the purpose of aeration?

To add air to water, allowing gases such as carbon dioxide to escape and helping remove some dissolved metals and industrial chemicals

What is salinization?

the accumulation of salts in soil, which can be caused by human activities or natural processes, such as water evaporation leaving behind salts.

What does LC₅₀ mean?

the concentration of a substance that causes 50% mortality in a population of test subjects.

Does the United States primarily use renewable or nonrenewable energy sources?

nonrenewable energy sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, and nuclear energy.

What are some examples of nonrenewable energy sources?

Coal, Oil, Gasoline, Diesel, Nuclear energy, and wood

What are some examples of renewable energy sources?

Hydropower, Geothermal energy, Wind energy, and Solar energy. 

What unit is energy usage measured in?

kilowatt-hours (kWh).

You don't need to memorize how much energy each appliance uses, but you should have an idea of which appliances use more energy vs. less. 

Generally, appliances like heating, cooling systems, and large kitchen appliances tend to use more energy, whereas small devices like chargers, LED bulbs, or fans tend to use less.