Ch 2
Science, Systems, Matter, and Energy
Case Study
 Easter Island (Summarize):
The Nature of Science
 Scientific Method:
 1. Observation: observe problem and pose a question
 2. Hypothesis: make an educated guess as to why the problem
exists.
 3. Test hypothesis: set up experiment to test hypothesis (must
have a control and experimental set)
 4. Analyze data: with the use of graphs, tables and charts
understand what the results from the experiment are saying
about your hypothesis
 5. Conclusion: did analysis of results support or not support
your hypothesis.
Feedback Loops
 Feed back loops:
 Positive feedback loops:
 Ex: depositing $ in a bank at compound interest and leaving
there.
 Negative feedback loops:
 Ex: Recycling cans
Types of Structure of Matter
 Matter:
 Elements:
 Ex: H (hydrogen), C (carbon)
 Compounds:
 Ex: H2O, NaCl
 Atoms:
 Protons:
 Neutrons:
 Electrons:
 Atomic number:
 Mass number:
Types of Structure and Matter
 Ions:
 pH
 Neutral solution:
 Acidic solution:
 Basic solution:
Types of Structure and Matter

Molecule:

Chemical formula:

Organic compound:

Inorganic compound:

Cells:
 Prokaryotic:
 Eukaryotic:

Macromolecules:

Genes:

Chromosomes:
Types and Structure of Matter
 States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Plasma
 Matter quality:
 High quality:
 Low quality:
 Material efficiency (resource productivity):
Changes in Matter
 Physical changes:
 Ex: aluminum foil cut into pieces
 Chemical changes:
 Ex: Coal is burned and makes CO2
 Law of conservation of matter:
 There is no “AWAY” in throw away. Everything remains in some
form.
Types of Pollutants
3 things determine the severity of a pollutant:
- chemical nature, concentration, and persistence.
- Degradable pollutants:
- Biodegradable pollutants:
- Slowly degradable pollutants:
- Nondegradable pollutants:
Energy
 Energy:
 Types of energy – electrical energy, mechanical, light, chemical,
nuclear
 Kinetic energy:
 Heat:
 Electromagnetic radiation:
 Potential energy:
Energy
 Energy quality:
 High –quality:
 Ex: electricity, chemical energy in coal and gas, sunlight, and nuclear
 Low – quality:
 Ex: heat dispersed in the moving molecules of a large amount of matter
so that its temperature is low.
Energy Laws
2 laws that CAN NOT BE BROKEN!!
 1st Law of Thermodynamics (law of conservation):
 Energy input always equals energy output.
 There will never be more energy coming out then energy is put
in.
 2nd law of Thermodynamics:
 Energy always goes from a more useful to a less useful form
when it changes from one form to another.
 Energy Efficiency:
Sustainability and Matter and Energy
Laws
 High-throughput economics (high waste):
 Matter-recycling-and reusing economy:
 Low-throughput economy (low waste):