Science Glossary- June 2015 DV GED *Science Content Areas of GED Exam: Life Science 40%; Earth and Space Science 20%; Physical Science 20% *Also need skills called: Science Practices, which include: the ability to comprehend Scientific Presentations; use the Scientific Method; Reason using Scientific Information; Apply Concepts and Formulas; Use Probability and Statistics. *GED Exam Questions will be related to two themes: Human life/living things and Energy & related systems Glossary: Acceleration- An increase in the speed or motion of an object or process (such as a chemical process). Acid- A substance with a pH less than 7.0 that releases hydrogen ions in a water solution; for example, vinegar. Acid Rain-Highly acidic rain because of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, & other air pollutants dissolved in it; It can damage plant and animal life, as well as buildings & erode rocks. Activation Energy- The energy that must be added to start a chemical reaction. Adaptation- A trait or behavior that helps an organism survive and function in its environment. Air-The portion of atmosphere gases that we breathe; composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, & 1% other. Allele- A gene form that governs a characteristic and is inherited. A set of Alleles is a genotype. Amino Acid- Building blocks (compounds) for life organisms (bodies) in the form of organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. As proteins, amino acids comprise the second-largest component (water is the largest) of human muscles, cells and other tissues. Amino acids perform critical roles in processes such as neurotransmitter transport and biosynthesis. Amplitude- The distance between the rest position & crest of a wave (high & low vertical measurement of a wave-y axis); i.e., AM Radio waves are amplitude modulated (vertically measured) waves. Antibodies- Substances produced by the body’s immune system that fight disease. A blood protein produced to counter a specific antigen. Antibodies combine chemically with substances that the body recognizes as alien- such as bacteria, viruses, & foreign substances in the blood. Antibiotics- Drugs that fight bacteria (germs). Antigen- A toxin or other foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies. Argument- A statement in favor of or against something. Artery- A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to other parts of the body; i.e., the aorta. Arteries are typically larger than veins. Asexual Reproduction- Offspring produced by an individual organism that are identical to the parent.

Atmosphere- Layers of gases that surround the earth beginning with Troposphere, Stratosphere (also contains ozone layer which absorbs Sun UV-ultraviolet radiation), Mesosphere, Thermosphere, & Exosphere. Atoms- The smallest unit of matter or element that can combine chemically with other matter & are made up of subatomic particles: Protons (positive charge), Neutrons (neutral charge), Electrons (negative charge). Atomic Mass- The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an element. Atomic Number- The number of protons in the nucleus of an element. This number is the defining factor that determines one element from another element. Axis- One of two lines making up a bar or line graph, showing information about a quantity or category. Bacteria- Microscopic living organisms, usually one-celled, that can be found everywhere. They can cause infection, or be beneficial- as in the process of fermentation (such as in wine) and that of decomposition. Base- A substance with a pH greater than 7.0 that releases hydroxide ions in a water solution; i.e., milk of magnesia. It’s also called alkaline & is on the opposite side of the PH scale from acid. Biomass- The total mass of the living organisms in a particular place. Biosphere- Earth as an enormous ecosystem. Biosynthesis- The formation of chemical compounds by the enzyme action of living organisms. Blood Vessels- Part of the circulatory system including: arteries, capillaries, & veins. Bonds (chemical)-Two types: Covalent (atoms share electrons) & Ionic bond (atoms gain or lose electrons). Brain- It consists of the cerebrum: (controls thinking, seeing and speaking); the cerebellum (coordinates movement & position); & brainstem (controls breathing and heart rate). It coordinates via nerves. Capillaries- Very small blood vessels that carry blood around the body. Carbohydrate- Molecules containing oxygen, carbon and hydrogen as a concentrated source of main energy for the body; includes: sugars, and starches in the form of bread, pasta, cereal, rice, fruit & potatoes. Catalyst- A substance that makes a chemical reaction accelerate (happen more quickly). Cause- Something that makes something else (an effect) happen. Cause and Effect Relationship- A situation in which one thing (a cause) results in another (an effect). Cells- The basic, smallest unit of life that can exist independently, & makes up all living organisms; for example, bacteria and protozoa are single cell organisms; whereas, trees, earthworms and cats are multicelled organisms. Cell Membrane - A Thin layer of matter enclosing a cell to keep the contents separate & protected from its external environment with the addition of an outer layer called the cell wall which gives the cell shape.

Cellular Respiration- The chemical process requiring oxygen by which living things convert food to energy. Charged Atoms- Are Ions (gain or loss of electrons causing negative or positive overall charge). Chemical Equation- A grouping of formulas & symbols that shows what happens in a chemical reaction; includes the reactants (atoms or ions to be combined) & the product (result of combining atoms or ions) in a balanced format that shows combination ratios. Chemical Formula-The representation of an element, ion, molecule, or compound by symbols & numbers; i.e., oxygen is written as O2, carbon dioxide is written as CO2, and water is written as H2O. Chemical Reaction- A change in which atoms of several substances form new substances with different chemical & physical properties; Inhibitors slow down a reaction & Catalysts speed it up. If energy is absorbed, it is an endothermic reaction & if energy is given off, it is an exothermic reaction. Chlorophyll- A pigment that gives plants their green color & absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts- Are located in cells, contains chlorophyll and absorbs the suns energy for the production of food. Chromosome- Part of a living cell that contains genetic information, encoded in DNA. They are rod-shaped structures in the nucleus of cells & are responsible for carrying genes from parent organisms to their offspring. Circulatory System (Cardiovascular system)- The heart & blood vessels that move oxygen & nutrient enriched blood throughout the body via the heart muscle that pumps blood through blood vessels from large arteries, to smaller arteries, to capillaries, to small veins, to large veins & back to the heart. Cite- To quote, mention, or refer to a piece of information. Climate- Average weather conditions in a particular region over a long period of time. Ocean currents have a major influence on climate and weather. Climate Zones of Earth- Polar (near north & south poles); Tropical (near equator); Temperate (between polar & tropical zones-approximately north of Tropic of Cancer and south of Tropic of Capricorn). Coefficient- A number that is placed before a symbol and acts as a multiplier. Coherent- Writing that is organized to show how one idea follows logically from another. Colloid- A mixture in which fine particles are spread out- throughout a second substance; i.e., foam. Compounds- Substance formed of two or more elements chemically combined in a definite proportion. They are represented by chemical formulas. Compounds have different properties than the elements they contain. Conclusion- A logical result or generalization. Condense- To change from a gas to a liquid (typically by cooling); i.e., from steam to water. Conductor- A substance for which electricity flows through easily; for example copper wire. Conservative Margin (Transform Margin)-Two plates slide past each other & no is crust created or destroyed.

Constructive Margin- Where two earth crust plates move apart & new crust is formed from molten material rising up through the gap that is created, such as-the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that spreads apart the sea floor. Consumers- Organisms in a food chain that get their food energy by eating other organisms. Context- The situation within which something is said or done. Continental Drift- Is caused by convection in the Earth’s mantle which carries the lighter continents (granite) floating across denser ocean floor (basalt) as land is created and recycled through the process of Plate Tectonics. Control Group or Controlled Variable- In a study, it is the condition in which the factors are held the same. In a test or experiment, it is the variable that receives no treatment or a standard/controlled treatment. Convection- The circular movement in a gas or a liquid caused by an outside force such as heat or gravity. Latin word meaning “To Carry”; i.e., air carrying heat. Convection Current- In Earth Science it’s the circular movement of material (in air, water or earth’s mantle) which is powered by heated material rising, heat being transferred, and the cooler material sinking to renew the cycle. Example: The flow of heat up from the hotter mantle rock to the earth’s crust powering Plate Tectonics. Cosmologists- Study of the origin, properties & evolution of the universe. Covalent Bond-a chemical combination in which atoms shares electrons. Crust- Outer layer of Earth, (Earth’s surface) & is made of granite, basalt, gabbro & other types of rocks. Cytoplasm- Is located inside the cell membrane and is a jelly-like matter that surrounds the nucleus and contains cell structures (organelles) that carry out the cell’s activities. Daughter Cells- The cells produced as a result of cell division-each identical to the parent cell. Decomposer- In a food chain, an organism that breaks down dead plants and animals; (bacteria & fungi). Density- A measure of mass in relation to volume (how tightly packed together an object is). Dependent Variable- In a study, it is the factor or result that is observed, measured, & recorded. It is the output or effect of a test. The result depends on what was introduced as an input for the test. Desertification- A chain of events in which so much soil erodes from land that it can no longer support plant life-leading to further desertification. Destructive Margin (Convergent Boundary)-A boundary where two earth-crust plates are colliding & crust is being displaced. The denser plate may be forced under the other (subduction zone) - forming a trench and range of mountains and volcanoes, or both plates may be pushed together, forming high mountain ranges such as the Himilayas. Diagram- An image that uses arrows, pictures, and symbols to illustrate a concept or process.

Diffusion- Movement of a substance from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Direct Relationship- A relationship between two variables in which, as one variable changes, the other changes in the same direction; for example, cause and effect. Digestive System- Consists of: Mouth (saliva), Esophagus, Stomach (enzymes & acid), and small & large intestines. It breaks down food into nutrients utilized by cells to process energy & to expel wastes. Divergent Boundary (constructive/extensional boundary) - two tectonic plates that are moving away from each other, bringing new material to the surface forming rift valleys and mid-oceanic ridges, Dioxide- A term meaning two-oxygen atoms. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)- An acid found in the cells of living things that carries genetic information. The molecule that contains hereditary information & controls the activities of each cell; found in chromosomes. DNA Sequence- The order of many pairs of molecules that DNA consists of- represented as a series of letters. Dominate Trait- A trait that will appear in an offspring if one parent contributes it; They suppress recessive traits; i.e., brown eyes are dominate and blue eyes are recessive, therefore, an offspring of a blue-eyed parent and a brown-eyed parent will typically result in an offspring with brown eyes. Earth Layers- Include: the outer crust (rock), then the mantle (hot liquid), then the outer core (liquid iron), & finally, the inner core (mostly solid iron). Earthquake- The shaking & trembling that result from sudden movements of rock-deep within the Earth. Ecology- A field of life science that involves the study of the relationships of organisms to their environment & to one another. Ecosystem- A community of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria) in its physical environment & includes: producers & consumers of energy; i.e., a swamp; the Earth is an enormous ecosystem (biosphere). Effect- Something that happens because something else happened (a cause). Electric Circuit- A continuous pathway over which electric current can flow. Electric Current- The flow of charged particles (electrons) through a conductor (Voltage pushes the current). Electric Field- The area of force that surrounds a charged particle. Electromagnetic Radiation- The wave motion of alternating electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic Spectrum- Waves ranging from long wave-lengths (radio waves) to short wave-lengths (gamma waves). Current energy systems on Earth typically use the visible-light portion of this spectrum. Electromagnetism- The relationship between electricity & magnetism; for example, an electric solenoid uses electricity to create a magnetic field, causing a mechanical device (solenoid) to move. A magnetic force created by the flow of electricity in a coil of wire.

Electrons- Particles with negative charge that orbit the nucleus of an atom (-). They are the charged particles that move in electricity. Elements- Substances that can’t be broken down into other substances & are made up of a single type of atom; i.e., Gold, Iron, Hydrogen, Sodium, Oxygen & Carbon, (the specific type determined by the number of protons in its nucleus). Elements have chemical symbols. Elements combine to form molecules or ionic compounds held together by bonds. Endothermic Reaction- A chemical reaction that absorbs energy. Energy- The ability to do work. Forms of energy: Heat (changes liquid to a gas); Electrical (turns motors, stores data); Chemical (food, fuel); Nuclear (splitting/breaking of atom’s nuclei); Mechanical (machines/engines). Types of energy: Potential energy- stored energy (gasoline) and; Kinetic energy-energy in motion (a river). Enzyme- A protein that speeds up chemical reactions that take place in cells. Erosion- The gradual wearing away and moving of rock, soil, and sand along Earth’s surface. Esophagus- The part of the alimentary canal that connects the throat to the stomach; the gullet. In humans and other vertebrates it is a muscular tube lined with mucous membrane. Evaluate-To examine something in order to judge its significance. Evaporate- A change from a liquid to a gas; i.e. from water to a water vapor (typically caused by heating). Evidence- Observations, measurements, and other facts that back up a conclusion. Evolution- Change over time; usually refers to the development of new species over time. Exothermic Reaction- A chemical reaction that releases energy. Fact- Something that has been proven scientifically to be true. Fats- Fatty acids containing oxygen, carbon, & hydrogen as concentrated sources of energy; i.e. fish oils, vegetable oils and animal fats. Fault- A break in Earth’s crust. Typically the point where the crust has slippage (earthquakes). Food Chain- Transfer of energy from one organism to the next- each organism consuming the previous one. Food Web- The complex pattern of energy transfer in an ecosystem; consists of many interrelated food chains. Force- A push or pull acting on an object; for example, friction. Fossil- The preserved remains or imprint of a once-living thing. Frequency- The number of waves that pass a given point in a given amount of time. It is measured by the Xaxis on a graph (horizontal); i.e. FM radio waves are frequency modulated (horizontally measured) waves.

Friction- A force that slows down or prevents motion; i.e. dragging a large rock over the ground creates heat due to the resistance caused by friction between the rock and the ground. Fungi- Plural for fungus & is a simple plant without leaves: i.e. Mushrooms, Mold, Yeast & typically grows in wet/dark/warm places. Galaxy- a group of millions or billions of stars; i.e. the Milky Way is the galaxy we live in. Gas- State of matter with no definite shape/volume wherein the attraction between the molecules are weak. The molecules are far apart & always in motion, colliding with each other (heating liquid changes it to gas). Gene- The genetic makeup (DNA) of an individual organism that controls the size, shape of a plant or animal. Genetic Material- Coded instructions found within a cell’s nucleus for carrying out the cell’s activities. Genome- Genetic code of an organism. Genotype- Is the genetic makeup of an individual that includes a set of Alleles. Germs- Microorganisms that invade the body and can cause illness; i.e. bacteria and viruses. Glacier- A large mass of moving ice (moves due to weight and gravity). Glucose- a simple sugar that stores sunlight energy by the process of photosynthesis. Graph- A visual display of data, usually as a figure with two axes (X & Y) that represent quantities, values, or categories; line, bar, and circle are types of graphs. Gravity- The force of attraction that exists between all objects in the universe- based on the density of mass of the object; i.e. Earth, & Sun; The Sun force attracts the Earth into its orbit & the Earth force attracts falling objects toward the ground; A force that makes objects fall, dependent on the mass of the celestial body. Heart- The main organ (muscle) of the circulatory system & functions to pump blood by contracting (squeezing), creating pressure; (4) main chambers are: upper left & right atria (receive blood) & lower left & right ventricles (discharging blood). Homeostasis- The tendency of a cell or organism to maintain a stable internal environment; i.e. Changes to the human body’s temperature can cause cell damage, therefore, due to feedback systems in the body, changes are monitored and adjusted to maintain balance. Homologous Structures- Body parts from different organisms with a common genetic heritage that have similar structure but perform different functions; i.e. a bird’s wing & a human arm. Hormone- A substance (a signaling molecule) that is secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine glands to communicate between organs & tissues to regulate physiological & behavioral activities such as: digestion, metabolism, respiration, sleep, & growth, etc. Human Body Systems- The major ones are: Circulatory; Respiratory; Digestive; Nervous systems. Hypothesis- A statement that explains observations about the natural world that can be tested.

Igneous Rock- A type of rock formed when hot liquid rock cools; i.e. Granite. Immune System- A network of interacting cells & tissues that protects the body from foreign substances that can cause disease & includes: The thymus, spleen, lymph nodes/tissue, stem cells, white blood cells, antibodies, & lymphokines; Immune systems produce antibodies that destroy germs. Immune Response- The reaction of the cells & fluids of the body to the presence of a substance that is not recognized as part of the body itself. Immunization- The injection of a vaccine (a weak form of the virus) to provide protection against the disease. Implication- A fact or idea that is suggested by stated information. Imply- To suggest something without actually stating it. Independent Variable- In a test or experiment, it is the input or cause of a possible change. Infection- An unbalanced condition in a life organism which can be caused by the invasion of germs such as bacteria & viruses, or can be caused by fungi, protozoans, & worms. Inhibitor- A substance that slows down a chemical reaction. Ion- A charged atom (has gained or lost electrons); the charge will be (+ or -). Ionic Bonds- Occurs when an atoms combine & gains or losses electrons resulting in an Ion. Ionic Compound-Atoms bonded by (-/+) charges holding the compound together; i.e. sodium chloride (NaCl). Large Intestine- The final section of the gastrointestinal tract that performs the task of absorbing water & vitamins while converting digested food into feces. It is shorter than the small intestine in length, but is considerably thicker in diameter, thus giving it its name. Law of Conservation of Mass- Matter is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions, but stay the same. Liquid- a state of matter in which it has a definite volume but no definite shape because the molecules in a liquid are loosely bound and move freely. Mantle- The middle part of the earth around the central core & is molten (heated liquid). Mass-The amount of material that physical object contains. Mass of an Object-Is the amount of matter that it contains. Matter- Anything that has mass & takes up space in (3) different states: Solid, liquid, gas. It changes state based on its melting, boiling, condensation, or freezing points & can be classified as elements, compounds or mixtures. Mechanical Advantage- An increase of force achieved by using a tool, mechanical device or machine system; (6) Mechanical Advantage Machines are: Wedge, Wheel & Axle, Lever, Inclined Plane, Screw, & Pulley.

Meiosis- In Biology, the process by which a cell divides to become two cells, with each having only half the number of Chromosomes as the original cell; i.e. , the paired genes separate to form sperm or eggs; Process of two nuclear divisions in formation of germ cells in animals and in spores of plants. Metabolism- Chemical process in your body that changes food into energy. Metamorphic Rock- Rock that is changed or formed from other material due to effects of pressure, heat or water; i.e. Marble (limestone that was reburied in the Earth & changed due to pressure & heat). Meteorologists- Study short-term weather patterns and data of particular areas. Mid-Ocean Ridge- a long, seismically active submarine ridge system situated in the middle of an ocean basin, marking the site of the upwelling of magma associated with seafloor spreading; i.e., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Mitochondrial DNA- DNA contained in mitochondria that is highly resistant to damage & is inherited through the mother, making it traceable in forensic investigations & for studying evolutionary genetic change. Mitochondrion- in Biology, it is the a part of a cell, which changes organic matter (natural material going through process of decaying) into energy (the cells energy producer). Mitosis- A type of cell division in which two daughter cells are formed that have the same genetic material as the parent cell & each cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. Mixtures- Physical combinations of two or more substances that retain their own properties; i.e., salt water. Molecule- A group of atoms that are held together by covalent or ionic bonds. Momentum- An object’s mass multiplied by its velocity, or speed in a straight line. The tendency of an object in motion to keep moving based on the amount of mass that had been accelerated; i.e., an engine’s flywheel. Natural Selection- A process of species evolution in which individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive; the stronger/more adaptable species will survive. Nervous system- Consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Its function is to receive, process and transmit information to controlling body activities. Neuron- Is a nerve cell, (basic unit of the nervous system) that sends messages to muscles, the brain and other parts of the body. Newton’s First Law of Motion- States that objects at rest, tend to stay at rest, and objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless they are acted upon by an outside force. Newton’s Second Law of Motion- States that objects will accelerate in direct proportion to the force that acts upon them, (F = MA); mass and force will affect the rate and direction of acceleration. Newton’s Third Law of Motion- States that if one object exerts force on another object, the second object exerts a force of equal and opposite force on the first object; for example, the firing of a gun exerts force on the bullet and onto the person holding the gun (recoil).

Neutrons- Particles of an atom with no charge (neutral). Nitrogen Cycle- The continuous circulation of nitrogen through the biosphere primarily through the action of bacteria, precipitation, and decomposition. Nitrogen Fixation- A process by which certain bacteria take nitrogen from the atmosphere and combine it with other substances into a form plants can utilize. Nucleus- In life science, it contains genetic material that directs the activities of the cell. In physical science, it is an atom’s small, dense core, which consists of protons (+ charges) and neutrons (neutral charges). Nutrient- A substance, found in food that is necessary for the growth and health of an organism; i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Ocean Trench- a long, narrow, deep depression in the ocean floor, typically one running parallel to a plate boundary and marking a subduction zone. Organ- A group of different tissues in a life-form that perform a specific function; for example, Stomach. Organelle- A structure within a cell that performs a specific function to keep the cell alive; for example, a mitochondrion. Organic Molecule- A molecule that contains carbon combined with oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen; the building block of all living organisms. Osmosis- Diffusion of water or other fluid through a semipermeable membrane (allows some substance to flow through) until its concentration is equal (equilibrium) on both sides of the membrane. Outer Core- The layer of the Earth between the mantle and the inner core. Oxidation- a reaction in which an element loses electrons; often, the element reacts with oxygen; for example, rust (iron oxide). Pathogens- Any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacterium (bacteria), or other microorganism. Periodic Table- An arrangement of the elements according to their properties and atomic number. Phenotype- In genetics, the observable physical characteristics of an individual organism. Photosynthesis- The chemical process by which green plants, some algae & some bacteria, convert water & carbon dioxide into food & oxygen using energy absorbed from sunlight or other light. Energy from photosynthesis is stored as carbohydrates & simple sugars (glucose). PH Scale- Range of numbers from 0-14 that indicates the relative acidic or basic character of a solution: 7= a neutral solution; < 7 = an acid; > 7 = a base (alkaline). Planet- A large celestial body revolving around a star (Sun). Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars are inner planets (closer to the sun) & are made of rock. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune are outer planets & are made of gas.

Plate Tectonics- A theory explaining: How Earth’s crust and mountains are formed, how sea floor spreads, & the movement of continents. Also see, constructive, destructive and transform (conservative) margins. Populations- a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area. Potential Energy- Energy stored in an object at rest; it has the potential to do something; i.e., Oil and Gas. Prediction- A statement about what might happen based on reasoning from data or evidence. Probability- The chance that some event will happen. Product- A substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction. Protein- Complex molecules (amino acids) made of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen that assist with the growth & maintenance of cells & metabolism; i.e., Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, & seeds. Protons- Particles of an atom with a positive charge (+) and forms part of the nucleus. Protozoa- Single cell organisms living in water or as parasites (lives on a host organism). Psychological Dependence (Habituation)- A milder form of addiction in which the urge to take a drug is strong, but there are no major withdrawal symptoms; i.e., using marijuana or hallucinogens. Punnett Square- A block diagram used in Genetics to show the possible combinations of alleles (gene forms). Reactant- A chemical substance which combines with another substance to form a chemical compound. Recessive Trait- A trait that does not appear when combined with a dominant trait, that must be contributed by both parents in order to appear in an offspring; a trait that appears in the genotype but not in the phenotype. Blue eyes for example, are a recessive trait. Reflection- The bouncing of light, or other waves-off a surface. Renewable Resource- A replaceable resource; i.e., trees’ water, sunshine. Nonrenewable are those that take millions of years to form; i.e., oil, peat, coal and natural gas. Resistance- A force that appears or slows motion; i.e., friction. In electricity, it is the opposition to the flow of electrons; i.e., the size of the wire. Respiratory System- The system of the body involved in exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide via, the nose, throat, & trachea (windpipe) that branches into (2) tubes called the bronchi, one of which goes into each lung. Its main function is to take oxygen in and get rid of waste in the form of carbon dioxide. Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)- It transmits the genetic code from the DNA in sets of (3) base pairs called codon & the information has instructions for creating an amino acid (a protein building block). Ribosome- A part of a cell that has a role in making proteins. Richter Scale- A measure of the amount of energy released by an earthquake. The scale begins with 0 and progress exponentially beyond 10 (To date, the highest recorded number for an earthquake is 9).

Rock Cycle- Rocks are produced by magma flowing to the surface & cooling becoming Igneous rocks, then if reburied, pressure & heat change them into Metamorphic rocks, or if deposited on top each other along with cement-like chemicals they become Sedimentary rocks. Saliva- A watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing, swallowing, and aiding digestion. Salt- A neutral compound with a PH of 7.0 that results from the chemical combination of an acid & a base; i.e., sodium chloride (table salt). Saturated and Unsaturated Molecule- a chemical compound that has a chain of atoms linked together by single bonds; i.e., Alkanes. An unsaturated compound is a chemical compound that contains double bonds or triple bonds; i.e., Alkynes. Fatty acids are classified as saturated or unsaturated. Scientific Method- It’s a set of techniques that scientists use to investigate things that are observable & typically includes: 1) Observation; 2) Questions formulation; 3) Data collection; 4) Hypothesis formulation; 5) Experiments to test the hypothesis; 6) documentation of Conclusions. Seafloor Spreading- a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where ocean plates spread apart (diverge) & s magma rises up, forming new crust, while spreading older crust/rock farther away from the zone. Continents (Granite) are lighter than ocean floors (Basalt), therefore, continents tend to drift over ocean floors. Sedimentary Rock- A type of rock formed by sediments; the hardening of particles of sand, mud, clay, or other sediments; i.e., sandstone. Seismic Waves- Vibrations caused by movement of rock during an earthquake. Sexual Reproduction- Reproduction in which genetic material from two parents is combined in the offspring (two sex cells combine-sperm and ova). Small Intestine (small bowel)- The narrow, winding, upper part of the intestine that runs between the stomach & the large intestine; the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum collectively & functions is to complete the digestion process so that nutrients are absorbed by the blood. Soil-Made of disintegrated rock, organic matter, living organisms, air & water which all help plants to grow. Solar System- The sun and all the planets, moons, and other objects that orbit the sun. Solid- 1 of 3 states of matter in which it has a definite shape and volume due to molecules in fixed positions. Solute- The substance doing the dissolving in a solution; for example, the water in salt water. Solvent- The liquid into which a substance is dissolved. Space- A boundless (3) dimensional area containing celestial objects; i.e., Planets (large object moving around a sun); Galaxies (1-2 million stars-suns); Universe (empty space scattered with galaxies); Dwarfs (objects less mass than a star, but more than a planet); Pulsars (rotating neutron stars emitting pulse of energy).

States of Matter-There are (3) conditions matter occupies: Solid, Liquid and Gas. A substance can change state based on heating (expanding) or cooling (contracting). Subduction Zone- The place where two lithospheric (Crust) plates come together, one riding over the other. Most volcanoes on land occur parallel to & inland from the boundary between the two plates. Subscripts- A number placed to the lower right of a chemical symbol, indicating the number of atoms of that type. Subatomic Particles- Make up atoms. The major ones are: protons, neutrons and electrons. Subduction- The process that takes place at convergent boundaries by which one tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate and sinks into the mantle as the plates converge. Regions where this process occurs are known as subduction zones. Tectonic Plates- Large fragments of Earth’s crust (continents) that fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Testable- Able to be supported or rejected by the results of an experiment or investigation. Theory- An explanation for different observations about life, the world, or how something works, that is based on a hypothesis, verified by testing, & is generally accepted as being an accurate explanation of phenomena. Tissue- A group of similar cells in a life-form that perform a similar function; for example, muscle tissue. Trait- Physical characteristics of organisms, often inherited; i.e., brown eyes (a dominate trait). Transform Boundary (conservative margin)-Two earth-crust plates sliding by each other so that no crust is formed or destroyed; i.e., The San Andreas Fault in California. Transverse Wave- A wave in which the disturbance is at right angles to the direction of the wave’s travel; i.e., light waves (light waves bounce off objects and change direction). Trophic Level- In a food chain, the position occupied by each species. Universe- Mostly empty space with galaxies scattered throughout & Brown Dwarfs (objects less massive than stars, but more massive than a planet) & Pulsars (rotating neutron stars emitting pulses at regular intervals) & Quasars (distant star-like objects that emit more energy than 100 galaxies). Vaccine- A substance given to produce immunity to a disease without producing the symptoms of the disease. Variations- Different traits among members of a species. Veins- The tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying in most cases, oxygendepleted blood toward the heart. Velocity- The rate of motion of an object in a certain direction. Virus- A single molecule of genetic material surrounded by a coat of protein. An infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, that is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host.

Vitamins- Nutrients such as iron & calcium for body development that make red blood cells & strong bones. Voltage- The energy/pressure needed to move an electron or other charged particle, measured in volts (pushes the electrical current). Volume- The amount of space taken up by a substance or object. Volcanic Island Chain - islands caused by hot spots in the mantle where magma rises through the crust. The island chains form as the crust moves over the hotspot, moving formed islands to the side, and creating a new one in its place. Water Cycle- The continuous movement of water from Earth’s surface to the air and back to surface again. Wave- A disturbance that travels through space or matter; i.e., radio waves. Wavelength- The distance between the crests (peak height) of two consecutive waves. Weather- The day to day state of the atmosphere at any given time with respect to temperature, moisture, wind direction/velocity, & air pressure. Weathering- The chemical & mechanical processes of breaking down large rocks into smaller rocks via: rain, acid, gravity, expansion, contraction, & frost heaving in which water enters cracks freezes & expands. Weather Patterns- are caused by Air Masses with boundaries called Cold Fronts (cold air sinks under warm air mass), Warm Fronts (warm air rises over a cold air mass), & Occluded fronts (cold and warm fronts merge). Clouds & precipitation (rain) are characteristics of weather fronts. White Blood Cells- Cells of the immune system that circulate mainly in the blood and lymph systems to react to invading microorganisms or foreign particles, comprising the B cells, T cells, macrophages, monocytes, & granulocytes. Work- The result of a force moving an object over a distance.