Question

1. a positive feedback system in the environment might cause:

a) stabilization
b) cooling
c) amplification of warming
d) neutralization

1. how does a thermometer detect temperature?

a) by changing color
b) by measuring the number of molecules
c) by measuring the vibration rate of molecules
d) by counting atoms

1. which gas contributes most to global warming?

a) oxygen
b) nitrogen
c) carbon dioxide
d) hydrogen

1. the chemical formula for carbon dioxide is:

a) co₂
b) h₂o
c) ch₄
d) c₂h₆

1. if sea levels rise by 10 feet, coastal cities are likely to:

a) gain more land
b) flood or become uninhabitable
c) become cooler
d) have lower population density

1. what would be the effect of melting glaciers on ocean salinity?

a) it would increase salinity
b) it would decrease salinity
c) it would have no effect
d) it would make water acidic
part ii - fill in the blank (10 points)

Explanation:

1. In environmental systems, a positive feedback loop enhances the initial change. For example, if there is warming, a positive feedback (like melting ice reducing albedo) would amplify the warming.
2. A thermometer (like a mercury or alcohol thermometer) measures temperature based on the expansion (related to molecular vibration rate changes with temperature).
3. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Oxygen and nitrogen are not greenhouse gases in the context of global warming, and hydrogen is not a significant contributor.
4. The chemical formula for carbon dioxide is \(CO_2\). \(H_2O\) is water, \(CH_4\) is methane, and \(C_2H_6\) is ethane.
5. Rising sea - levels would flood coastal areas or make them uninhabitable due to water inundation.
6. Glaciers are made of freshwater. When they melt, they add freshwater to the ocean, which decreases the salinity (since salinity is the amount of salt per unit volume of water).

Answer:

1. C. Amplification of warming
2. C. By measuring the vibration rate of molecules
3. C. Carbon dioxide
4. A. \(CO_2\)
5. B. Flood or become uninhabitable
6. B. It would decrease salinity