APES vocab 8

APES vocab

Nuclear Fusion

A process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Renewable Resource

Resources that can naturally replenish over time, like solar, wind, and water.

Watt

A unit of power that measures the rate of energy transfer or consumption.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and respiration.

Climate

The long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in an area.

Weather

The short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns, often linked to human activities.

Extreme Weather Event

Severe or unusual weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.

Global Warming

The rise in average global temperatures, primarily due to increased greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth as greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Methane (CH₄)

A potent greenhouse gas produced from livestock, agriculture, and fossil fuels.

Monoculture

Agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a large area.

Tragedy of the Commons

Concept where individuals overuse a shared resource, depleting it for everyone.

Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, & Cosmetics Act

U.S. regulation prohibiting the use of carcinogenic additives in food.