General Science Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to general science knowledge needed for exam preparation.

Scientific Process

A systematic method used by scientists to explore observations, answer questions, and test hypotheses involving steps such as observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.

Bloom's Taxonomy

A framework for categorizing educational goals that includes three domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor, with cognitive being the most referenced and comprising six levels from remembering to creating.

SMART Objectives

Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to enhance clarity and attainability.

Pathogen

Any organism or agent that can cause disease, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which spread through various means.

Induction

Inductive reasoning that involves making generalizations based on specific observations or experiments.

Deduction

Deductive reasoning that starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

Independent Variable

The variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Scientific Theory

An explanation of a set or system of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times.

Mendel's Laws

Genetic principles discovered by Gregor Mendel that describe how traits are inherited, including the Law of Segregation, the Law of Independent Assortment, and the Law of Dominance.

Darwin's Theory of Evolution

An explanation of how species evolve over time due to variation, competition, and survival of the fittest, including key principles like variation, overproduction, and descent with modification.

Variables in Experiments

Factors in an experiment that can be controlled (constants), manipulated (independent), or measured (dependent) to determine their effects.

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision, governed by specific rules.

Scientific Notation

A method of expressing numbers as a product of a coefficient and a power of ten to simplify calculations involving very large or very small numbers.

Periodic Table

A classification of all elements arranged in order of increasing atomic number that shows periodicity in physical and chemical properties.

Acid

A substance capable of donating a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction, typically exhibiting a sour taste and turning blue litmus paper red.

Base

A substance that can accept a hydrogen ion (H+) from an acid, characterized by a bitter taste and slippery feel, turning red litmus paper blue.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Microbe

Extremely small organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can exist as pathogens.

Ecosystem

A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, involving energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution.

Kinetic Energy

The energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv².

Newton's First Law

An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Newton's Second Law

The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass, expressed as F = ma.

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Force

A push or pull on an object that can cause it to accelerate.

Spring Balance

A device used to measure weight and force based on the distance a spring stretches.

Pyramid of Energy

A graphical representation showing the energy flow through trophic levels in a food chain or web.

What is evaporation in the water cycle?

Evaporation is the process where water changes from liquid to vapor, often due to heat from the sun.

What is transpiration in the water cycle?

Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere, contributing to overall moisture.

What is the water table?

The water table is the upper surface of groundwater, representing the level below which the ground is saturated with water.

What is runoff in the water cycle?

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melted snow, over land surfaces toward rivers, lakes, and oceans.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that is stored beneath the earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock.

What is the hydrosphere?

The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth's surface, in the atmosphere, and underground.

What is the role of clouds in the water cycle?

Clouds form as a result of condensation and can transport water vapor over long distances.

What is snowmelt?

Snowmelt is the process of melting snow and ice that contributes to rivers and lakes, often during spring.

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to a common waterbody like a river or lake.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to

What is evaporation's role in the water cycle?

Evaporation is crucial for transferring water from the earth's surface to the atmosphere, facilitating the cycle.

What is precipitation's effect on ecosystems?

Precipitation replenishes soil moisture, supports plant growth, and maintains aquatic ecosystems.

How does geology influence the water cycle?

Geology affects how water is absorbed, stored, and flows through different landscapes and rock formations.

What happens during a drought?

During a drought, prolonged periods of below-average precipitation lead to water shortages in ecosystems and human activities.

What is the significance of aquifers?

Aquifers are natural underground reservoirs that store significant amounts of groundwater, essential for drinking water supply.

What is surface water?

Surface water refers to water that collects on the surface of the ground in bodies like rivers, lakes, and ponds.

What is groundwater recharge?

Groundwater recharge is the process through which water seeps into the ground and replenishes aquifers.

What is precipitation runoff?

Precipitation runoff occurs when rainwater flows over land surfaces instead of being absorbed into the ground.

What is the water cycle's impact on climate?

The water cycle plays a vital role in regulating climate by influencing temperature and moisture distribution.

What are the main types of precipitation?

The main types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

How do human activities affect the water cycle?

Human activities such as urbanization and deforestation can alter natural water flow and lead to increased runoff and reduced groundwater recharge.

What is the significance of watershed management?

Watershed management is important for protecting water quality, preventing flooding, and ensuring sustainable water supply.

What is evaporation-precipitation balance?

The evaporation-precipitation balance describes the relationship between the amount of water evaporated and the amount of precipitation received in a region.

What role do lakes play in the water cycle?

Lakes act as storage reservoirs for water, facilitating evaporation and contributing to local climate regulation