Exploring the Nitrogen Cycle

The video explains the importance of nitrogen, its role in the nitrogen cycle, and how it supports life on Earth. It details the nitrogen cycle, including the conversion of nitrogen gas to ammonium and nitrate by bacteria and its uptake by plants and animals. The video also discusses human impacts on the nitrogen cycle, such as the use of fertilizers and emissions of nitrous oxide, which disrupt the cycle and affect ecosystems. Finally, it suggests ways to minimize human impact, including better farming practices and reducing emissions.

What is the atomic number of nitrogen on the periodic table?

• 7

• 5

• 8

• 6

Which form of nitrogen is most abundant in the atmosphere?

• Nitrogen gas

• Nitrite

• Ammonium

• Nitrate

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which organisms can break the triple bond in nitrogen gas?

• Fish

• Certain bacteria

• Whales

• Phytoplankton

What is the product when bacteria add hydrogen to nitrogen gas?

• Nitrogen gas

• Ammonium

• Nitrite

• Nitrate

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the process called when ammonium is converted to nitrate?

• Nitrogen fixation

• Ammonification

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

Which organisms take in nitrogen by eating phytoplankton?

• Humans

• Bacteria

• Fish and whales

• Plants

What is a major consequence of excess nitrogen from fertilizers entering water bodies?

• More fish population

• Cleaner water

• Depletion of oxygen

• Increased oxygen levels

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which human activities contribute to the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere?

• Using solar panels

• Planting trees

• Recycling

• Automobile emissions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What can farmers do to reduce the impact of fertilizers on the nitrogen cycle?

• Increase water usage

• Ignore the problem

• Develop better farming practices

• Use more fertilizers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of the following actions can individuals take to limit their nitrogen emissions?

• Increase heating

• Drive more

• Turn off lights and appliances

• Leave lights on

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3