Cycling of Matter

Front

Law of Conservation of Mass Noun

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[law uv kon-ser-vay-shun uv mas]

Back

Law of Conservation of Mass

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The scientific principle stating that matter is not created or destroyed, but only changes its form as it moves.

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Example: Mixing chemicals in a sealed container shows mass stays the same before and after reaction.

Front

Matter Noun

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[mat-er]

Back

Matter

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The physical substance of which all objects are composed, which has mass and takes up space in the universe.

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Example: The image shows solid, liquid, and gas states, illustrating how matter takes up space and has mass.

Front

Decompose Verb

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[dee-kum-pohz]

Back

Decompose

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To break down into simpler parts or substances, especially through the natural action of bacteria and other microorganisms.

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Example: Leaves fall and decompose into soil, aided by fungi and bacteria.

Front

Fossil Fuel Noun

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[fos-uhl fyool]

Back

Fossil Fuel

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A natural fuel formed from the geological remains of ancient organisms, such as coal, oil, or natural gas.

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Example: The image shows how oil and gas are extracted from beneath the earth's surface, illustrating fossil fuel formation.

Front

Photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

Back

Photosynthesis

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The process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy, creating food from carbon dioxide and water.

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Example: The image shows how plants use light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce oxygen and sugar.

Front

Phytoplankton Noun

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[fi-toh-plank-tuhn]

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Phytoplankton

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Microscopic marine organisms that perform photosynthesis and are a primary source of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere.

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Example: The image shows various types of phytoplankton, highlighting their diversity and role in photosynthesis.

Front

Cellular Respiration Noun

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[sel-yuh-ler res-puh-ray-shun]

Back

Cellular Respiration

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The chemical process in cells where organisms convert nutrients into usable energy to power their life functions.

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Example: The image shows glucose and oxygen converting into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP energy in cells.

Front

Combustion Noun

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[kuhm-buhs-chun]

Back

Combustion

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A rapid chemical process of burning that produces heat and light, often releasing substances like carbon dioxide.

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Example: Burning wood shows combustion, releasing CO2, H2O, and heat.

Front

Evaporation Noun

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[ih-vap-uh-ray-shun]

Back

Evaporation

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The process by which a substance in a liquid state, such as water, changes to a gaseous state.

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Example: Water evaporates from a lake, turning into vapor and rising into the air.

Front

Condensation Noun

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[kon-den-say-shun]

Back

Condensation

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The process by which 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.