1. Chapter 2 Science Review

2. Environmental “Science” Some areas of ES research are experimental and lab-based Most research is field-based, involving the study of highly complex FEEDBACK LOOPS ES research is characterized by –A focus on CONNECTIONS & INTERACTIONS –LONG time periods –SYNERGISTIC connections

4. Experimental Design Problem –Question to be answered Hypothesis –Scientifically testable statement Independent or Manipulated Variable –The one(s) being tested or changed Dependent or Responding Variable –The one(s) being measured Control Group –No M.V. (for comparison) Constants –All other variables influencing the outcome

5. Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning Inductive –Moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. Deductive –Works from more general to more specific.

6. Precision vs. Accuracy Accuracy –The nearness of a measurement to an agreed standard (ex. how close to 1kg is a 1kg standard weight on a particular balance?) Precision –The degree of reproducibility and consistency of a measuring device throughout multiple measurements

7. Energy & Matter Fixed amounts of each in the universe Can be converted interchangeably (e = mc 2 ) Earth is an “open system” regarding energy Earth is a “closed system” regarding matter Energy & Mass Laws –1: Energy/Matter cannot be created or destroyed –2: Energy is always converted to “lower quality” forms whenever work is done

8. High vs. Low Quality Matter High Quality Matter –Concentrated, easy to extract Low Quality Matter –Dispersed, difficult to extract

9. Atomic Structure The nucleus is tiny and very dense The volume is almost entirely the electron cloud

10. Nuclear Chemistry Review Three types of radiation –Alpha (He nucleus) –Beta (electrons) –Gamma (EMR wave) Differences in penetration –Alpha (sheet of paper) –Beta (block of wood) –Gamma (concrete wall)

11. Fission and Fusion Fission –1 nucleus splits into fragments (chain reaction) –Ex. Nuclear reactor Fusion –2 or more nuclei fuse together –Ex. The Sun

12. Energy Laws First Law –Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or converted between different forms Ex. Solar energy to chemical energy during Photosynthesis –During work, energy “in” ALWAYS equals energy “out” –“You cannot get something for nothing” Second Law –During work, some energy is degraded into lower quality forms High Quality (ex. Electricity, Nuclear Fission) Medium Quality (ex. Normal sunlight) Low Quality (ex. Geothermal heat) –You always end up with less useable energy than you start with –“You cannot break even”

13. Electromagnetic Spectrum

14. Types of Pollution Degradable –Ex. Human sewage, organic matter Persistent –Ex. DDT, certain plastics, laminates Non-degradable –Ex. heavy metals, lead & mercury