ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
The Scientific Method A method commonly used by scientists to solve problems. They
analyze facts and observations, formulate hypotheses, and test the validity of the hypotheses with
experiments and additional observations
Predictions If a theory (of hypothesis) is true, then _____ should happen
Theories Tested explanations (by multiple scientists) of data or relationships (why things
work). All theories must be falsifiable if new data arises.
Laws Generalization of patterns (usually very specific relationships) in nature (may have
conditions)
Hypothesis Something that looks like it might explain the data from which predictions can
be made and tested
Boundary Conditions The conditions under which the event occurred or the experiment is
conducted. (What's the temperature and pressure? What scale are we looking at?)
-Different boundary conditions can cause different results
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
Precision The measure of repeatability or reproducibility
-Often based of the significant figures that are repeatable
Accuracy How close to "true" you are
-Computers calculate things precisely but may not be accurate
System Any part of the universe that can be distinguished for the purpose of observing
changes
Multivariate System A system (part of the Earth) that has many variables - that is unlike a
chemistry experiment where you control exactly what goes in, most earth systems have
numerous inputs and outputs, and most of the time you have no way to control them or even
know what they are.
Isolated (Insulated) System Transfers no mass or energy.
Not common
Closed System Transfers energy but no mass
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
Earth is for the most part
Open System Transfers both energy and mass
Earth's System -The Earth as a whole is a closed system (more or less - yes gas leaks out
and dust comes in) with respect to matter
-Open system with respect to energy
-Almost any part of the Earth that we study is an open system (both to energy and matter)
Earth Subdivisions The Earth is subdivided by spheres/systems (Geosphere, atmosphere,
hydrosphere, biosphere) and layers.
Atmosphere Based on temperature gradient
1. Troposphere*: Heated by re-radiation from below; clouds, water vapor, weather mostly
happens here
2. Tropopause
3. Stratosphere
4. Stratopause
5. Mesosphere: Not much here
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
6. Mesopause
7. Thermosphere
Hydrosphere Subdivisions based on whether fresh or salt water, where it is, and what form
it's in
-Oceans (salt)
-Rivers/Lakes
-Groundwater
-Glaciers
Solid Earth - Seismic/Chemical Core, mantle, crust
Subdivisions based on the speed at which earthquake waves travel and (presumably) chemical
composition
Core Iron and nickel
Liquid outer and solid inner
Very dense
Temperatures of -6000 degrees Celsius
The Scientific Method A method commonly used by scientists to solve problems. They
analyze facts and observations, formulate hypotheses, and test the validity of the hypotheses with
experiments and additional observations
Predictions If a theory (of hypothesis) is true, then _____ should happen
Theories Tested explanations (by multiple scientists) of data or relationships (why things
work). All theories must be falsifiable if new data arises.
Laws Generalization of patterns (usually very specific relationships) in nature (may have
conditions)
Hypothesis Something that looks like it might explain the data from which predictions can
be made and tested
Boundary Conditions The conditions under which the event occurred or the experiment is
conducted. (What's the temperature and pressure? What scale are we looking at?)
-Different boundary conditions can cause different results
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
Precision The measure of repeatability or reproducibility
-Often based of the significant figures that are repeatable
Accuracy How close to "true" you are
-Computers calculate things precisely but may not be accurate
System Any part of the universe that can be distinguished for the purpose of observing
changes
Multivariate System A system (part of the Earth) that has many variables - that is unlike a
chemistry experiment where you control exactly what goes in, most earth systems have
numerous inputs and outputs, and most of the time you have no way to control them or even
know what they are.
Isolated (Insulated) System Transfers no mass or energy.
Not common
Closed System Transfers energy but no mass
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
Earth is for the most part
Open System Transfers both energy and mass
Earth's System -The Earth as a whole is a closed system (more or less - yes gas leaks out
and dust comes in) with respect to matter
-Open system with respect to energy
-Almost any part of the Earth that we study is an open system (both to energy and matter)
Earth Subdivisions The Earth is subdivided by spheres/systems (Geosphere, atmosphere,
hydrosphere, biosphere) and layers.
Atmosphere Based on temperature gradient
1. Troposphere*: Heated by re-radiation from below; clouds, water vapor, weather mostly
happens here
2. Tropopause
3. Stratosphere
4. Stratopause
5. Mesosphere: Not much here
, ISP 203B Exam 1 Questions With Solutions
6. Mesopause
7. Thermosphere
Hydrosphere Subdivisions based on whether fresh or salt water, where it is, and what form
it's in
-Oceans (salt)
-Rivers/Lakes
-Groundwater
-Glaciers
Solid Earth - Seismic/Chemical Core, mantle, crust
Subdivisions based on the speed at which earthquake waves travel and (presumably) chemical
composition
Core Iron and nickel
Liquid outer and solid inner
Very dense
Temperatures of -6000 degrees Celsius
