Environmental Systems Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is an acid?
A substance that contributes hydrogen ions to a solution.
What is an atom?
The smallest particle that can contain the chemical properties of an element.
What is atomic number?
The number of protons in the nucleus of a particular element.
What is a base?
A substance that contributes hydroxide ions to a solution.
What is capillary action?
A property of water that occurs when adhesion of water molecules to a surface is stronger than cohesion between the molecules.
What is a carbohydrate?
A compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
What is a cell?
A highly organized living entity that consists of the four types of macromolecules and other substances in a watery solution, surrounded by a membrane.
chemical energy
potential energy stored in chemical bonds
chemical reaction
a reaction that occurs when atoms separate from molecules or recombine with other
molecules
What is a closed system?
A system in which matter and energy exchanges do not occur across boundaries.
What is a compound?
A molecule containing more than one element.
What is a covalent bond?
The bond formed when elements share electrons.
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that contains the genetic material for reproducing the components of the next generation.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
A form of energy emitted by the Sun that includes, but is not limited to, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared energy.
What is an element?
A substance composed of atoms that cannot be broken down into smaller, simpler components.
What is energy?
The ability to do work or transfer heat.
What is energy efficiency?
The ratio of the amount of energy expended in the form you want to the total amount of energy that is introduced into the system.
