Cycles of Matter

Front

Conservation of Energy Noun

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[kon-ser-vey-shuhn uv en-er-jee]

Back

Conservation of Energy

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The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be altered from one form to another.

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Example: The swinging balls show energy transferring from one to another, illustrating energy conservation.

Front

Atom Noun

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[at-uhm]

Back

Atom

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The smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist; the basic building block of all matter.

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Example: The diagram shows an atom with protons, neutrons, and electrons, explaining the basic structure of matter.

Front

Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

Back

Molecule

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A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, representing the smallest unit of a substance.

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Example: This image shows a water molecule, made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, bonded together.

Front

System Noun

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[sis-tuhm]

Back

System

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A set of interacting or interdependent components that form an integrated whole, working together to perform a function.

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Example: The solar system is a system where planets orbit the sun, showing interaction and interdependence.

Front

Closed System Noun

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[klohzd sis-tuhm]

Back

Closed System

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A physical system that does not allow the transfer of matter in or out, though energy can be exchanged.

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Example: A closed system with a boundary that separates it from its surroundings, showing no matter transfer.

Front

Evaporation Noun

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[ih-vap-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Evaporation

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The process of a substance in a liquid state changing to a gaseous state due to an increase in energy.

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Example: The sun heats the puddle, causing the water to evaporate into the air.

Front

Condensation Noun

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[kon-den-sey-shuhn]

Back

Condensation

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The process where water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water as it cools down.

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Example: Warm moist air hits a cold surface, turning into liquid water, showing condensation.

Front

Precipitation Noun

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[pri-sip-i-tey-shuhn]

Back

Precipitation

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Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to Earth's surface.

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Example: Clouds releasing rain and snow show precipitation falling to Earth's surface.

Front

Groundwater Noun

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[ground-waw-ter]

Back

Groundwater

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Water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock, supplying wells and springs.

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Example: The image shows groundwater stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface, supplying wells and springs.

Front

Water Vapor Noun

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[waw-ter vey-per]

Back

Water Vapor

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The gaseous phase of water which is produced when liquid water evaporates or boils.

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Example: Water vapor rises from the river, forming clouds and eventually rain.