Scientists agree that our planet is getting warmer. But is there a human cause for global warming, or is it a natural fluctuation in a long-term cycle? Warming cycles throughout Earth's history have caused glacial melting, animal and plant habitat shifts, and earlier flowering seasons for trees. These climate changes often correlate with changes in Earth's orbit known as Milankovitch cycles. For example, Earth's angle of axial tilt varies over the course of 41,000 years from 22.1° to 24.5%. At greater angles, Earth's poles receive more direct solar radiation, or insolation.
Increased insolation results in higher mean temperatures. The Milankovitch theory proposes that cycles in climate arise from these cyclical changes in Earth's orbit. According to one viewpoint, the current warming of our planet is just evidence of a Milankovitch cycle. However, current climate changes are occurring at a faster rate than those in the To explain the different rates, many scientists point to human use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO,) when burned. CO, traps thermal radiation in Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Recent increased levels of CO, correlate very strongly with increased mean temperatures. Furthermore, the rate of Increase in CO, levels is also rising.
For this reason, many scientists conclude that climate change is anthropogenic (caused by humans). Data that support Milankovitch cycles do not necessarily contradict this conclusion. Supporters of the anthropogenic climate change model only need to demonstrate that the current warming deviates from Milankovitch cycles and that human activities provide a better explanation, Both the anthropogenic climate change model and the Milankovitch theory are consistent with some of the observed climate changes. However, only one offers the best explanation for the current warming of Earth.
Scientists are Interested in whether certain greenhouse gases have helped cause I recent temperature increases. The graph presents data on carbon dioxide and methane gas levels in the atmosphere for the past several centuries. Human activities began producing large quantities of both gases in the 1700s. This graph, combined with information from--------------------, supports ----------------------.
- A. The Milankovitch climate change model
- B. paragraph 3
- C. The anthropogenic climate change model
- D. Paragraph 2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B, C
The graph illustrates the correlation between rising greenhouse gas levels and temperature increases, supporting the anthropogenic climate change model, which attributes climate change to human activities. Options B and C effectively connect the visual data with the broader context of human influence on climate. Option A, referencing the Milankovitch model, is incorrect as this model focuses on natural Earth cycles, not human impact. Option D lacks specificity and does not directly relate to the evidence presented in the graph. Thus, B and C provide the most relevant support for understanding the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The graph illustrates the correlation between rising greenhouse gas levels and temperature increases, supporting the anthropogenic climate change model, which attributes climate change to human activities. Options B and C effectively connect the visual data with the broader context of human influence on climate. Option A, referencing the Milankovitch model, is incorrect as this model focuses on natural Earth cycles, not human impact. Option D lacks specificity and does not directly relate to the evidence presented in the graph. Thus, B and C provide the most relevant support for understanding the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Other Related Questions
The graph shows results from a study that sought to determine average exposure to triclosan in the U.S. population. Which statement is supported by the results in the graph?
- A. Triclosan concentration does not vary significantly among different age groups.
- B. Increased levels of triclosan in urine are related to increased age.
- C. Triclosan concentration in urine is highest in the 30- to 39-year-old age group.
- D. People aged 20-29 likely use more products containing triclosan.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The data indicates that the highest triclosan concentration in urine occurs in the 30- to 39-year-old age group, supporting option C. This finding highlights a specific peak in exposure among this demographic. Option A is incorrect as the graph likely shows variation in triclosan levels across age groups. Option B misinterprets the data; the graph does not suggest that triclosan levels increase with age. Option D assumes usage patterns without evidence from the graph, which focuses on urinary concentration rather than product usage.
The data indicates that the highest triclosan concentration in urine occurs in the 30- to 39-year-old age group, supporting option C. This finding highlights a specific peak in exposure among this demographic. Option A is incorrect as the graph likely shows variation in triclosan levels across age groups. Option B misinterprets the data; the graph does not suggest that triclosan levels increase with age. Option D assumes usage patterns without evidence from the graph, which focuses on urinary concentration rather than product usage.
A substance has a mass of 10 grams. This substance has 45 joules of heat added to it, and the change in temperature is 5 degrees. What is the specific heat of the substance? J/gK
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: 0.9
To determine the specific heat, we use the formula \( c = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T} \), where \( Q \) is the heat added (45 J), \( m \) is the mass (10 g), and \( \Delta T \) is the temperature change (5 °C). Plugging in the values: \( c = \frac{45 \, \text{J}}{10 \, \text{g} \times 5 \, \text{°C}} = 0.9 \, \text{J/g°C} \). Other options may arise from calculation errors, such as misapplying the formula or using incorrect units. For instance, if one mistakenly divides by a different temperature change or mass, it would yield incorrect specific heat values. Thus, 0.9 J/gK accurately reflects the relationship between heat, mass, and temperature change for this substance.
To determine the specific heat, we use the formula \( c = \frac{Q}{m \Delta T} \), where \( Q \) is the heat added (45 J), \( m \) is the mass (10 g), and \( \Delta T \) is the temperature change (5 °C). Plugging in the values: \( c = \frac{45 \, \text{J}}{10 \, \text{g} \times 5 \, \text{°C}} = 0.9 \, \text{J/g°C} \). Other options may arise from calculation errors, such as misapplying the formula or using incorrect units. For instance, if one mistakenly divides by a different temperature change or mass, it would yield incorrect specific heat values. Thus, 0.9 J/gK accurately reflects the relationship between heat, mass, and temperature change for this substance.
The equation for photosynthesis is often written as shown below. Based on this equation, what does the triangle symbol represent?
- A. oxygen
- B. chloroplast
- C. heat
- D. light
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
In the equation for photosynthesis, the triangle symbol represents light, which is essential for the process to occur. Plants capture light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Option A, oxygen, is a product of photosynthesis but not represented by the triangle. Option B, chloroplast, is the organelle where photosynthesis takes place, but it is not indicated by the triangle symbol. Option C, heat, is not a direct component of the photosynthesis equation, as it does not play a role in the conversion process. Thus, light is the critical factor denoted by the triangle.
In the equation for photosynthesis, the triangle symbol represents light, which is essential for the process to occur. Plants capture light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Option A, oxygen, is a product of photosynthesis but not represented by the triangle. Option B, chloroplast, is the organelle where photosynthesis takes place, but it is not indicated by the triangle symbol. Option C, heat, is not a direct component of the photosynthesis equation, as it does not play a role in the conversion process. Thus, light is the critical factor denoted by the triangle.
What statement describes one or more needed changes to this experiment that would allow the experimenter to draw a valid conclusion?
- A. Salt water should have been used to make the ice cubes for the cup of salt water.
- B. The time for ice cubes to melt should have been measured in minutes.
- C. At the beginning, both cups should have contained the same mass of water at the same temperature.
- D. The energy released should have been measured, not calculated.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.