1. Science, matter, energy and systems
Ch. 2
Science, matter, energy and systems

2. What scientist do. Science is an attempt to discover how nature works.
Identify a problem
Investigate the situation by asking questions
Create a hypothesis (if… then….)
Test the hypothesis in an experiment
Analyze your results and come up with a conclusion.

4. Problems with this method in environmental science?
Ex: Easter Island

5. matter
The atomic Theory
Atoms/ elements
Protons
Neutrons
Electrons

6. Ions
an atom or group of atoms that has a net positive or negative charge because it has gained or lost an electron
Sodium ion
nitrate ion
Carbonate ion
Sulfate ion
Hydrogen ion

7. Acidity
The measure of hydrogen (h+) ions vs. hydroxide (oh-) ions contained in a particular volume of solution.
A neutral solution has an equal amount of hydrogen and hydroxide ions (ph 7)
More
hydroxide ions
OH-
More
hydrogen ions H+

8. Organic compounds
Contain at least 2 carbon molecules (except methane ch4)
Macromolecules also called polymers, are made up of a long change of monomers.
Ex: Carbohydrates
Glucose

9. Macromolecules
Amino acids make up Proteins

10. Macromolecules
Plastic is a polymer chain made of many different synthetic or semi-synthetic moldable solids.
Made from Petrochemicals
Long linear carbon chains
Long chain of carbon rings
Many different uses

11. Conservation of matter
Atoms can never be created or destroyed
Matter can only change form through chemical reactions

12. Thinking points
A tree grows and increases in mass. Discuss how this is not a violation of the law of conservation of matter.
IF there is no “away” where organism can get rid of their wastes, due to the law of conservation of matter, why is the world not filled with more waste matter?