Cycles of Matter

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What are the main carbon reservoirs?

Back

The main carbon reservoirs include terrestrial plants, the atmosphere, and rocks.

Front

How do plants obtain nitrogen?

Back

Plants obtain nitrogen from the soil or water in which they live.

Front

Why must matter travel through cycles?

Back

Matter must travel through cycles because there is a fixed amount of matter in the universe, so it must take on different forms at different times.

Front

What is another name for rain or snow?

Back

Another name for rain or snow is precipitation.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the cycles of matter?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.