ABM Grade 12 Modules and activities! 2022-2023

Earth and Life Science part1

What is the fate of the earth? Consider the global crises that we are facing right now.

The globally averaged surface temperature of the Earth has rapidly increased during the past century by about 0.7°C. Most of the increase can be attributed to the greenhouse effect, the increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide that is emitted when fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. And the most dangerous issue which the world is commonly facing are global warming and climate change. It is the gradual rise in Earth's lower atmosphere with far-reaching impacts. It brings unusual rainfall, natural calamities, devastation to agriculture, extinction of marine life, worse polution, and death and diseases. However, to control the menace of atmosphere, the world needs to take immediate actions. Practicing on using less fossil fuels, using alternate energy, plantation of trees, and giving awareness to people about global crisis are very vital measure to cope with the issue of uncontrollable global warming and climate change. Therefore, the fate of the earth years from now is still unrecognizable, and might be depending on human behavior. Because if humans are willing to change their behaviors, our planet earth might be live for many more billion years as long as we will take good care of it.

Cite reference:
Watts, Robert G., 2007. Global Warming and the Future of the Earth., Tulane University

Science and Impacts Factsheets., 2016. Center for Sustainable System "Climate Change"., University of Michigan

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1. what is anti-matter? How were the particle pairs created and destroyed in the early universe?

An electromagnetic radiation particle known as a photon collided with another photon to create matter and antimatter, and vice versa. Out of the radiation field, particle-antiparticle pairs were produced, and as soon as they were, they mutually destroyed into new radiation. And all of the matter and antimatter that were present in an equal amount were destroyed together. As a result, there was only one proton left after one billion protons and antiprotons destroyed each other to produce photons.

2. Enumerate the different forces operating in our universe nowadays. Describe each one briefly.

There are four fundamental forces at work in the universe. (1) Gravitational force is the attraction between two objects that have mass or energy. (2) The weak force, also called the weak nuclear interaction, is responsible for particle decay. This is the literal change of one type of subatomic particle into another. (3) The electromagnetic force, also called the Lorentz force, acts between charged particles, like negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. (4) The strong nuclear force, also called the strong nuclear interaction, is the strongest of the four fundamental forces of nature. And that's because it binds the fundamental particles of matter together to form larger particles.

3. Differentiate the jovian planets from the terrestrial planets.

Terrestrial planets are smaller, closer to the Sun and formed from rock around a molten metal core. Also, terrestrial planets have secondary atmospheres, fewer moons, and they rotate slower. On the other hand, Jovian planets are larger, further from the Sun and formed from gases around a solid metal and hydrogen core, and jovian planets rotate faster.

4. Is there a chance that there could be another solar system in our universe?

Yes, Based on the size of our galaxy alone and the fact that our solar system is merely a dot in comparison, there isn't just a probability; there is a very good chance that another solar system in our universe exists. In fact, our galaxy alone may contain billions of solar systems, and the universe as a whole is constantly expanding.

5. Scientists are now trying to explore the nearby planet Mars for its possibility to become our second home. what are the things needed in order for a planet to support life?

A planet is considered to be habitable if it can support life for an extended period of time. According to research, it's necessary to a planet to have liquid water. This water must be on the planet's surface in order to be seen from space. Last but not least, it require to have an atmosphere, oxygen, a strong magnetic field to shield us from solar flares, and a suitable distance from the sun.

6. An illustration of the interaction of the Earth's systems is the biogeochemical cycle. Cite an example of a biogeochemical cycle aside from the carbon cycle and discuss it briefly.

In an ecosystem, stuff travels or is recycled through a form of circular pathway called a biogeochemical cycle. There are components of the system that are geological, chemical, and biological. One such example is the water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, in which water from lakes, rivers, seas, and transpiring plants evaporates into the atmosphere. After cooling and condensing into clouds, these water vapours eventually return to the earth as rain and snow.

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1. What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance having unique atomic structures, compositions, and chemical and physical properties. While the majority of rocks are composed of two or more minerals combined through geological processes.

2. How do we benefit from rocks and minerals? Give two examples of how we do or do not benefit from rocks and minerals.

Minerals and rocks are everywhere around us. They are a part of daily life and aid in the development of new technology. We use rocks and minerals for things like construction, cosmetics, transportation, infrastructure, and appliances. Humans need to consume minerals every day in order to be healthy and build their bodies.

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