General Science Principles Flashcards

Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful UV radiation?

Answer: Stratosphere

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth's surface.

When magma cools and solidifies underground, which type of rock is formed?

Answer: Intrusive igneous rock

Magma that cools slowly below Earth's surface forms intrusive (plutonic) igneous rock, such as granite, with large crystals.

A weather front that forms when a cold air mass advances and displaces warmer air is called a:

Answer: Cold front

A cold front occurs when cold, dense air pushes under warmer air, often producing sudden, heavy precipitation.

Earth's revolution around the Sun takes approximately 365.25 days and is primarily responsible for:

Answer: The cycle of seasons

Earth's revolution (orbit) around the Sun, combined with the axial tilt of 23.5°, produces the cycle of seasons.

According to the theory of plate tectonics, most earthquakes and volcanoes occur:

Answer: Along the boundaries between tectonic plates

Tectonic plate boundaries are zones of intense geological activity where plates collide, separate, or slide past each other.

In the water cycle, the process by which liquid water is converted to water vapor by plants is called:

Answer: Transpiration

Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves through stomata, contributing significantly to atmospheric moisture.

In the scientific method, a hypothesis is best described as:

Answer: A testable, falsifiable explanation for an observed phenomenon

A hypothesis is a proposed, testable explanation that can be supported or refuted through experimentation and observation.