MTTC Integrated Science (Elementary) (093) flashcards
MTTC Integrated Science (Elementary) (093) · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Independent variable
- The factor deliberately changed or manipulated by the researcher in an experiment; its effect on the dependent variable is observed while other variables are controlled.
- Dependent variable
- The factor measured or observed in an experiment; it is expected to respond to changes in the independent variable and provides outcome data.
- Control group
- A comparison group that does not receive the experimental treatment or receives a placebo, helping isolate the effect of the independent variable.
- Hypothesis
- A testable, falsifiable proposed explanation or prediction about a relationship between variables, stated clearly enough to be supported or rejected by evidence.
- Reliability
- The consistency or repeatability of measurements or results; a reliable procedure yields similar outcomes when repeated under the same conditions.
- Validity
- The extent to which a measurement, test, or experiment measures or demonstrates what it is intended to measure, without systematic error.
- Scientific theory
- A well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon based on extensive evidence and repeated testing; it can be revised as new evidence appears.
- Randomization
- Assigning participants or samples to groups by chance so known and unknown variables are distributed similarly, reducing bias in experimental comparisons.
- Cell theory
- The principle that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and new cells arise from existing cells.
- Prokaryotic cell
- A cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and most membrane-bound organelles; bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes, with DNA in a nucleoid region.
- Photosynthesis equation
- Carbon dioxide plus water plus light energy produces glucose and oxygen: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light -> C6H12O6 + 6O2, occurring in chloroplasts.
- Cellular respiration
- The process by which cells break down glucose using oxygen to release energy stored as ATP, producing carbon dioxide and water as waste products.
- Mitosis
- Nuclear division producing two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent; used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
- Meiosis
- Two successive nuclear divisions producing four haploid gametes with half the parent chromosome number; crossing over and independent assortment create genetic variation.
- Natural selection
- The process by which individuals with heritable traits that improve survival and reproduction leave more offspring, increasing those traits' frequency in later generations.
- Food chain
- A sequence showing energy transfer from producers to consumers and decomposers; arrows point in the direction of energy flow through feeding relationships.
- Igneous rock
- Rock formed when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies; intrusive igneous rock cools slowly underground with large crystals, while extrusive rock cools quickly at the surface.
- Sedimentary rock
- Rock formed from weathered sediments that are deposited, compacted, and cemented, or from precipitation of minerals; fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rock.
- Metamorphic rock
- Rock changed by heat and pressure without melting, often forming distinct layers or new minerals; examples include marble from limestone and slate from shale.
- Water cycle
- The continuous movement of water through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration, transferring water among oceans, atmosphere, and land.
- Divergent boundary
- A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust; mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are typical features.
- Moon phases
- Changes in the visible portion of the Moon caused by the Moon's orbit around Earth, altering the sunlit side we see over about 29.5 days.
- Earth's seasons
- Seasonal changes result from Earth's axial tilt as it orbits the Sun, which changes the angle and duration of sunlight at different latitudes during the year.
- Big Bang evidence
- Key evidence includes the expansion of the universe, redshift of distant galaxies, and cosmic microwave background radiation, all supporting an early hot, dense universe.
- Newton's first law
- An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion at constant velocity unless acted on by a nonzero net external force.
- Newton's second law
- The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass, expressed as F = ma.
- Newton's third law
- For every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force on a different object; forces always occur in pairs.
- Kinetic energy
- Energy possessed by a moving object, calculated as one-half mass times velocity squared (KE = 1/2mv²); it increases with mass and speed.
- Potential energy
- Stored energy based on position or condition; gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface is mass times gravitational acceleration times height (PE = mgh).
- Ohm's law
- Current through a conductor is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance, expressed as V = IR.
- Wave speed equation
- Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength (v = fλ); frequency is cycles per second and wavelength is distance between corresponding wave points.
- Density
- Mass per unit volume of a substance, calculated as density equals mass divided by volume (D = m/V); it helps identify materials and predict floating or sinking.