U1 G8 Science Vocab

Mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object

Volume

A measure of how much space an object takes up

Atmosphere

The layers of gases that surround the Earth.

Air

The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth

Density

How much matter (mass) is in a given space (volume)

Air Pressure

The force exerted by air on a surface.

Bernoulli's Principle

Increasing the speed of a fluid like air will result in a decrease in its pressure. Also, a decrease in the speed of a fluid will result in an increase in its pressure.

Temperature

A measure of the hotness or coldness of an object. The average kinetic energy of the particles within an object.

Convection Current

The circulating flow of a fluid like air as warming air becomes less dense and rises, only to cool and become more dense and sink.

Condensation

Water vapor cools, becomes denser, and collects into a liquid.

Insolation

The amount of solar radiation reaching an area on Earth.

Sea Breeze

Air blowing from the sea to the land during the day

Land Breeze

Air blowing from the land to the sea during the night

Precipitation

Water, in any form, falling from the sky.

Wind

The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure

Cold Front

When a cold air mass runs into a warm air mass. The moisture in warm air rises rapidly, causing heavy precipitation

Warm Front

When a warm air mass gently rises over a cold air mass. The moisture in warm air slowly cools, creating clouds and/or light precipitation

High-Pressure Weather

Caused by cooling air (more dense) sinking to the ground. These areas usually have cooler air with clear skies and calm weather.

Low-Pressure Weather

Caused by warm air (less dense) rising quickly. These areas usually have high winds, warm air, clouds, precipitation, and stormy weather.

Coriolis Effect

Earth's rotation causes objects in the air/water to be deflected depending on location. Objects in the northern hemisphere are deflected to the right as they move away from the equator. Objects in the southern hemisphere are deflected to the left as they move away from the equator.

Isobars

Lines on a weather map that connect identical pressure values.

Controlled Experiment (Fair Test)

An experiment that has only one independent variable.

Independent Variable

The variable that is deliberately manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable and is measured by the experimenter.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that is based on measurements.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that is based on observation.