Weather and Water

Front

Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

Back

Weather

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The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including factors like temperature, wind, and precipitation.

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Example: The image shows clouds and raindrops, indicating weather conditions like precipitation and humidity.

Front

Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muh-sfeer]

Back

Atmosphere

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The layer of gases that surrounds a planet, such as Earth, held in place by the planet's gravity.

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Example: The image shows Earth's atmosphere layers, labeled with names and altitudes, helping students learn about the atmosphere's structure.

Front

Permanent Gas Noun

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[pur-muh-nent gas]

Back

Permanent Gas

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A gas in the atmosphere for which the relative amount stays constant over time, such as nitrogen or oxygen.

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Example: The image shows Earth's atmosphere with nitrogen and oxygen as constant gases.

Front

Variable Gas Noun

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[vair-ee-uh-buhl gas]

Back

Variable Gas

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An atmospheric gas whose concentration changes over time in response to environmental activities, such as water vapor.

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Example: Warm air rises, cools, and condenses, illustrating variable gases like water vapor in weather.

Front

Greenhouse Gas Noun

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[green-hous gas]

Back

Greenhouse Gas

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A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and radiates thermal energy, which contributes to the warming of a planet.

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Example: Solar radiation enters Earth's atmosphere, and greenhouse gases like CO2 trap heat, warming the planet.

Front

Water Vapor Noun

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[waw-ter vey-per]

Back

Water Vapor

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Water in its gaseous form, which is the most abundant variable gas found in the atmosphere.

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Example: Water vapor rises, cools, and condenses into clouds at different altitudes.

Front

Carbon Dioxide Noun

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[kar-buhn dai-ok-sahyd]

Back

Carbon Dioxide

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A key greenhouse gas in the atmosphere that is used by plants during the process of photosynthesis.

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Example: The image shows how carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis and released by factories and animals.

Front

Photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

Back

Photosynthesis

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The process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy through a cellular process.

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

Front

Ozone Noun

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[oh-zohn]

Back

Ozone

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A form of oxygen that forms a protective layer in the stratosphere, absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

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Example: The ozone layer absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun, protecting life on Earth.

Front

Methane Noun

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[meth-eyn]

Back

Methane

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A variable gas in the atmosphere that is also a potent greenhouse gas, produced by natural and human activities.

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Example: Methane is a gas produced by cows, contributing to greenhouse gases.