mechanisms of tectonic movement

Question 1

Define the term density

Answer 1

Density is the ratio of a substances mass to its volume

Question 2

Describe the movement of convection currents in liquids and gases, linking the movement to heat, temperature, and density

Answer 2

Convection currents occur when heated fluids rise due to decreased density and cooler fluids sink due to increased density, creating a circular motion.

Question 3

Define the term model

Answer 3

A model is a representation of an object, system, or process used to explain things more visually

Question 4

Explain why we need to use a model in Science, including specifically why we need to represent the processes occurring within the mantle

Answer 4

Models help simplify complex systems, allowing scientists to visualize and understand processes like mantle convection, when it is so hard to understand we can get a visualized picture

Question 5

Describe the models we used to model ‘convection currents’ and the strengths and limitations of each.

Answer 5

Models of convection currents include the coloured water experiment with the blue ice cube and red water, limitations are that it will eventually stop because there is no continued heat source, and strengths are that it is big so we can clearly see what a convection current is.

Question 6

Relate tectonic plate movement to mantle convection currents and gravitational forces

Answer 6

Convection currents under the mantle move tectonic plates and at subduction zones the denser plate will get pulled under and continuingly pulled by gravity eventually breaking off.