Unit Test 1 Science (Science Concepts)

Harmful things that are added to soil, air, or water are called pollutants. Pollutants refer to substances or contaminants that are released into the environment, causing harm to living organisms and ecosystems. These can include chemicals, toxins, or waste materials that have detrimental effects on the quality of soil, air, or water. Examples of pollutants include pesticides, industrial chemicals, air pollutants like carbon monoxide, and water pollutants like heavy metals or sewage.

Burning trash in an incinerator is not an example of recycling because it involves the disposal of waste through combustion, which does not involve the reprocessing of materials to create new products. Recycling typically involves collecting and processing materials such as paper, glass, and food scraps to create new items, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing waste.

Windstorm dust and volcano ash are considered natural air pollutants because they are particles or substances that are released into the air through natural processes such as windstorms and volcanic eruptions. These pollutants can have negative effects on air quality and human health, as they can cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of smog and haze. Therefore, the correct answer is natural air pollutants.

Noise pollution refers to excessive or disturbing noise that can have harmful effects on human health. It can cause hearing damage, as prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate structures in the ear. Additionally, noise pollution can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and its associated health issues. Therefore, the correct answer is noise pollution.

Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are essential for the survival and well-being of living organisms. These resources can be renewable, such as water and forests, or non-renewable, such as fossil fuels and minerals. They are used by living things for various purposes, including food, shelter, energy, and raw materials. Therefore, natural resources are the correct answer as they encompass the materials in nature that living things need and use.

Oil is a nonrenewable resource because it is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Once oil reserves are depleted, they cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. This makes oil a finite resource that cannot be easily replaced or renewed, unlike renewable resources such as wood, wind, and sunshine which can be replenished naturally.

Biodegradable materials can safely be buried in sanitary landfills. Sanitary landfills are specifically designed to handle waste disposal in a manner that minimizes environmental impact. They are equipped with liners and leachate collection systems to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater. Biodegradable materials, such as organic waste, can decompose naturally in these landfills without causing harm to the environment. This option is preferable over other ecosystems like cooling ponds or wetlands, where burying waste could disrupt the natural balance and cause pollution.

Acid rain forms when chemicals from burned fossil fuels mix with moisture in the air. When fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned, they release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These gases react with water vapor in the air to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as acid rain. This phenomenon can have harmful effects on the environment, including damaging forests, lakes, and buildings.

Heated water from power plants that is pumped into rivers can cause thermal pollution. Thermal pollution refers to the increase in water temperature due to human activities, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. The elevated water temperature can decrease the oxygen levels in the water, disrupt the natural balance of aquatic organisms, and promote the growth of harmful algae blooms. This can lead to the decline of fish populations, changes in species composition, and overall ecological imbalances in the affected rivers.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on farms can pollute groundwater. This occurs when these chemicals seep into the soil and eventually reach the underground water sources. Once in the groundwater, they can contaminate it, making it unsafe for human consumption and harming the ecosystem. This pollution can have long-lasting effects on the environment and public health.

The safest solution to oil spills is to prevent spills from happening in the first place. This means implementing strict safety measures and regulations to minimize the risk of oil spills occurring. By focusing on prevention, the negative environmental and economic impacts of oil spills can be avoided altogether.

Biomass, solar power, and hydrogen fuel cells are all examples of alternative energy sources. Alternative energy sources refer to any energy sources that are not derived from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These alternative sources are considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on finite resources. Biomass utilizes organic materials like plants and waste to generate energy, solar power harnesses energy from the sun, and hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen to produce electricity.

Plants play a vital role in naturally cleaning bodies of water. They act as natural filters by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants from the water through their roots. This process, known as phytoremediation, helps to improve water quality by removing harmful substances and promoting a healthier aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, plants also release oxygen into the water through photosynthesis, which supports the survival of aquatic organisms. Therefore, plants are an essential component in the natural cleaning and maintenance of bodies of water.

Using public transportation, turning off unneeded appliances, and washing clothes in cold water are all actions that help reduce energy consumption. By reducing the amount of energy we use, we can conserve fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources that contribute to air pollution and climate change when burned for energy production. Conserving fossil fuels is important for sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment.

Most of the trash produced in the United States is paper because paper waste is generated in large quantities from various sources such as offices, schools, and households. Paper products like newspapers, magazines, packaging materials, and office documents contribute significantly to the overall trash production. Additionally, paper is a commonly used material that is easily disposable and often not recycled, leading to its prevalence in the country's waste stream.