Everyday Science
Everyday Science
General and Everyday Science: 2000 Questions with Two-Line Conceptual Answers
Physics
12. Why do mirrors reverse left and right but not up and down?
→ Mirrors reflect light rays symmetrically, flipping the image horizontally.
18. Why does a car move forward when the wheels push backward?
→ Newton’s Third Law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
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21. Why do we hear echoes in an empty hall but not in a furnished room?
→ Sound waves reflect off hard surfaces but get absorbed by furniture.
24. Why do heavy and light objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum?
→ There is no air resistance, so gravity affects them equally.
25. Why do bicycles stay upright when moving but fall when stationary?
→ Gyroscopic effect and balance improve stability in motion.
50. Why does metal feel colder than wood at the same temperature?
→ Metal conducts heat away from your skin faster.
53. Why does an egg break when dropped on a hard surface but not on a soft one?
→ A hard surface does not absorb impact energy, causing the shell to break.
57. Why do heavier objects not fall faster than lighter ones?
→ In free fall, gravity accelerates all objects equally regardless of mass.
61. Why does heat travel faster through metal than wood?
→ Metals have free electrons that transfer heat efficiently.
64. Why do ice skaters spin faster when pulling in their arms?
→ Conserving angular momentum reduces rotational inertia, increasing spin speed.
70. Why does metal feel colder than wood at the same temperature?
→ Metal conducts heat away from your skin faster.
73. Why does an egg break when dropped on a hard surface but not on a soft one?
→ A hard surface does not absorb impact energy, causing the shell to break.
75. Why do metal objects feel colder than wooden ones at the same temperature?
→ Metals conduct heat away from the skin faster than wood, creating a colder sensation.
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Chemistry
54. Why does soap remove grease but water alone does not?
→ Soap molecules break down grease into smaller particles.
Biology
1. Why do we sweat?
→ Sweat evaporates from the skin, releasing heat and cooling the body.
5. Why do we yawn?
→ Yawning helps increase oxygen intake and cool down the brain.
7. Why do we blink?
→ To moisten and protect the eyes from dust and dryness.
15. Why does eating too much sugar cause tooth decay?
→ Bacteria break down sugar into acids that erode enamel.
25. Why does the sky appear red at sunrise and sunset?
→ Sunlight passes through more atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths.
30. Why do the poles have six months of daylight and darkness?
→ Earth's tilt changes sunlight exposure over the year.
53. Why do the Sun and Moon appear the same size from Earth?
→ The Sun is much larger but much farther away.
Physics
Echo: Reflection of sound waves from a surface, creating a delayed repetition of the original sound.
Refraction: The bending of light when it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.
Absorption: The process by which a material takes in energy, such as heat or sound, rather than reflecting it.
Gravity: A natural force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth or any other celestial body.
Gyroscopic Effect: The tendency of a rotating object to maintain its orientation due to angular momentum.
Aerodynamics: The study of how air interacts with moving objects, affecting motion and stability.
Sound Propagation: The transmission of sound waves through a medium such as air, water, or solids.
Turbulence: Irregular air motion that distorts light waves, causing stars to twinkle.
Microwave Radiation: A form of electromagnetic energy that heats food by exciting water molecules.
Newton’s First Law: An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Newton’s Second Law: The force acting on an object is equal to its mass times acceleration (F = ma).
Newton’s Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Gravitational Force: The force of attraction between two masses, responsible for keeping planets in orbit.
Buoyancy: The upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object.
Thermodynamics: The study of heat, energy, and their transformations.
Entropy: A measure of disorder in a system, increasing over time in a closed system.
Capillary Action: The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces against gravity.
Doppler Effect: The change in frequency of a wave due to the motion of its source.
Simple Machines: Basic mechanical devices like levers and pulleys that make work easier.
Pascal’s Law: A change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.
Archimedes’ Principle: The upward buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the
displaced fluid.
Wave-Particle Duality: The concept that light and matter exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.
Ohm’s Law: Voltage (V) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R): V = IR.
Superconductivity: A state in which certain materials exhibit zero electrical resistance at very low temperatures.
Refraction: The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.
Total Internal Reflection: The complete reflection of light within a medium when it hits a boundary at a certain
angle.
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Electromagnetic Induction: The process of generating an electric current by changing the magnetic field around
a conductor.
Escape Velocity: The minimum velocity an object must reach to break free from a planet's gravitational pull.
Projectile Motion: The curved path an object follows when thrown near the Earth’s surface under the influence
of gravity.
Centripetal Force: The force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center.
Thermal Expansion: The increase in an object’s volume due to the rise in temperature.
Resonance: The phenomenon where an object vibrates at maximum amplitude when exposed to its natural
frequency.
Inertia: The resistance of an object to change its state of motion.
Diffraction: The bending of light or sound waves around obstacles or through narrow openings.
Magnetic Flux: The measure of the total magnetic field passing through a given area.
Work-Energy Theorem: The work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy.
Damping: The gradual loss of amplitude in an oscillating system due to external resistance.
Quantum Tunneling: A quantum phenomenon where particles pass through energy barriers they classically
shouldn’t.
Polarization: The alignment of waves in a particular direction, especially light waves.
Entropy: A measure of disorder in a system, indicating the tendency of energy to spread out.
Capacitance: The ability of a system to store an electric charge.
Newton’s Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Doppler Effect: The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the
source.
Absolute Zero: The lowest theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops (-273.15°C or 0K).
Surface Tension: The cohesive force at a liquid’s surface that allows it to resist external force.
Escape Velocity: The minimum velocity required for an object to break free from a celestial body's gravitational
pull.
Power: The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in watts.
Latent Heat: The heat required to change the phase of a substance without changing its temperature.
Friction: The force resisting the relative motion of surfaces in contact.
Chemistry
Rusting: A chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and water that forms iron oxide.
Surfactant: A substance that reduces surface tension, allowing soap to break down grease.
Bacterial Growth: The rapid reproduction of bacteria under favorable conditions, leading to spoilage.
Acids: Substances with a pH lower than 7, often sour in taste and capable of donating protons.
Freezing Point Depression: The process by which adding a solute, like salt, lowers the freezing point of a liquid.
Oxidation: A chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons, often resulting in color changes.
Combustion: A high-temperature reaction between a fuel and oxygen, producing heat and light.
Sublimation: The direct transition of a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid phase.
Flame Test: A method used to identify metal ions based on the color emitted when burned.
Phase Transition: The change of a substance from one state (solid, liquid, gas) to another due to temperature
changes.
Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.
Electrolysis: The process of using electricity to decompose a compound into its elements.
Polymerization: The chemical process of linking small molecules to form larger macromolecules.
Endothermic Reaction: A reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings.
Exothermic Reaction: A reaction that releases heat energy into the surroundings.
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Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals to enhance properties like strength and corrosion resistance.
pH Scale: A scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.
Mole Concept: A quantity representing 6.022 × 10²³ particles of a substance.
Redox Reaction: A reaction involving both reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons).
Hydration: The process of adding water molecules to a compound.
Hard Water: Water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, making it difficult to lather with soap.
Photolysis: The decomposition of a chemical compound by light.
Noble Gases: A group of non-reactive gases in Group 18 of the periodic table, including helium and neon.
Colloid: A mixture where fine particles are dispersed within another substance without settling.
Zeolites: Microporous minerals used in water purification and catalysis.
Avogadro’s Law: Equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain an equal number of
molecules.
Boyle’s Law: The pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature.
Charles’s Law: The volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature at constant pressure.
Le Chatelier’s Principle: If a system in equilibrium is disturbed, it will adjust to counteract the disturbance.
Buffer Solution: A solution that resists changes in pH when an acid or base is added.
Allotropes: Different structural forms of the same element, such as carbon in the form of graphite and diamond.
Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen, such as methane and ethane.
Electroplating: The process of coating a metal object with another metal using electrolysis.
Fermentation: The breakdown of organic substances by microorganisms to produce energy, alcohol, or organic
acids.
Nanotechnology: The study and application of extremely small materials at the molecular or atomic level.
Neutralization: A reaction between an acid and a base to form water and salt.
Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.
Molarity: The concentration of a solution measured in moles per liter.
Saponification: The chemical process of making soap by reacting fat with an alkali.
Electronegativity: The tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.
Biology
Pupil Reflex: The automatic adjustment of the pupil size to control the amount of light entering the eye.
Fat Storage: The accumulation of fat in an organism for energy and insulation.
Inverted Resting Posture: The natural position of bats, enabling them to take flight easily.
Thermoregulation: The process by which organisms maintain their internal body temperature.
Tapetum Lucidum: A reflective layer behind the retina in some animals that enhances night vision.
Migration: The seasonal movement of animals to find better living conditions, food, or breeding grounds.
Irritant Chemicals: Substances like sulfur compounds in onions that cause eye irritation.
Autotomy: The ability of certain animals to shed a body part, such as a bee losing its stinger.
Amphibian Reproduction: The process by which amphibians lay eggs in water to ensure proper development.
Mammalian Respiration: The breathing mechanism in mammals, requiring oxygen intake through lungs.
Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism’s genes to alter its characteristics.
Bioluminescence: The production of light by living organisms, such as fireflies and deep-sea creatures.
Embryology: The branch of biology concerned with the development of embryos from fertilization to birth.
Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist infections by producing antibodies or immune responses.
Endangered Species: Organisms at risk of extinction due to environmental changes or human activities.
Mutation: A sudden change in the genetic material of an organism, which can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
Biotechnology: The use of biological processes and organisms for industrial and technological applications.
Photosystem: A protein-pigment complex in plants that captures light energy for photosynthesis.
Trophic Levels: The different feeding levels in an ecosystem, from producers to top predators.
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Gene Therapy: A medical technique that involves correcting genetic disorders by inserting functional genes into
cells.
Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production through cellular respiration.
Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Symbiosis: A close and long-term interaction between two different biological species.
Mutation: A permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism.
Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful pathogens.
Genetic Drift: Random changes in gene frequencies in small populations over time.
Transpiration: The process by which water is absorbed by roots and released as vapor through stomata in leaves.
Biomagnification: The increase in concentration of toxic substances as they move up the food chain.
Fermentation: The process of breaking down sugar without oxygen, producing energy and byproducts like
alcohol.
Hormones: Chemical messengers that regulate various physiological functions in the body.
Volcanism: The eruption of molten rock, ash, and gases from beneath the Earth's crust.
Atmospheric Retention: The ability of a celestial body to hold onto gases, dependent on gravity.
Seismic Activity: Earth movements caused by the release of energy along fault lines, sometimes triggering
tsunamis.
Rayleigh Scattering: The scattering of light by small particles, responsible for the color of the sky and sunsets.
Erosion: The gradual wearing away of land by wind, water, and other natural forces.
Aeolian Processes: The movement and reshaping of landscapes by wind action, such as in sand dunes.
Stellar Evolution: The life cycle of a star, from formation to its end state as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black
hole.
Meteor Ablation: The process by which meteors burn up due to friction with the Earth's atmosphere.
Wave Dynamics: The behavior of ocean waves as they interact with land, changing speed and height.
Geomagnetism: The Earth's magnetic field, generated by movements of molten iron in the core.
Tectonic Plates: Large sections of Earth's crust that move and cause geological activity.
Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding a planet, essential for climate and life.
Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
Climate Change: Long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns.
Lunar Phases: The changing appearances of the Moon due to its orbit around Earth.
Tides: The rise and fall of ocean levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
Black Holes: Extremely dense objects in space with gravity so strong that not even light can escape.
Asteroids: Small rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt.
Comets: Icy celestial bodies that release gas and dust as they approach the Sun.
Supernova: The explosive death of a massive star, releasing immense energy.
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Continental Drift: The slow movement of Earth’s continents over geological time.
Rock Cycle: The continuous transformation of rocks between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.
Water Cycle: The movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Ozone Layer: A protective layer in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation.
Auroras: Natural light displays caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
Exoplanets: Planets that orbit stars outside our solar system.
Neutron Star: The collapsed core of a massive star, extremely dense and composed mainly of neutrons.
Tsunami: A large ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
Glaciers: Massive slow-moving bodies of ice formed by accumulated snowfall.
Magnetosphere: The region around Earth dominated by its magnetic field, protecting it from solar winds.
Cryosphere: The frozen water part of the Earth system, including glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost.
El Niño: A climate pattern causing unusual warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific.
Landslide: The sudden downward movement of rock and soil due to gravity and unstable slopes.
Seismograph: An instrument used to detect and record earthquakes.
Permafrost: Permanently frozen soil found in polar and subpolar regions.
Meteor Shower: A celestial event where multiple meteors are visible as they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Astrobiology: The study of life in the universe, including conditions on other planets.
Pulsars: Rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation.
Kuiper Belt: A region beyond Neptune containing icy bodies and dwarf planets, including Pluto.
Cosmic Microwave Background: The residual radiation from the Big Bang, provides evidence for the universe's
origin.
Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere due to greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane.
Tides: The periodic rise and fall of ocean levels due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
Sedimentary Rocks: Rocks formed by the deposition and compression of mineral and organic particles.
Igneous Rocks: Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Metamorphic Rocks: Rocks altered by heat, pressure, or chemical processes over time.
Supernova: The explosive death of a massive star, resulting in a burst of energy and matter.
Black Hole: A region in space with an extremely strong gravitational pull where not even light can escape.
Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles released from the Sun’s upper atmosphere.
Plate Tectonics: The theory explaining the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates over the mantle.
Erosion: The process by which natural forces like wind, water, and ice wear away rocks and soil.
Aurora Borealis: The Northern Lights, caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth's magnetic
field.
Permafrost: Soil that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years.
Coriolis Effect: The deflection of moving objects due to Earth’s rotation, affecting wind and ocean currents.
Meteorite: A fragment of a meteor that survives passage through Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface.
Ocean Currents: Large-scale movements of seawater driven by wind, salinity, and temperature differences.
Hurricanes: Intense tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rain, known as typhoons or cyclones in different
regions.
Astrobiology: The study of life beyond Earth, exploring the potential for extraterrestrial organisms.
Seafloor Spreading: The process of new oceanic crust formation at mid-ocean ridges.
Ozone Layer: A protective layer in Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet
radiation.
El Niño: A climate phenomenon causing warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, affecting global weather
patterns.
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Evaporation – The process where the liquid turns into gas at the surface, often due to heat.
Osmosis – The movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from a low to a high solute
concentration.
Diffusion – The natural spreading of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.
Inertia – The tendency of an object to remain at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Buoyancy – The upward force exerted by a fluid that allows objects to float.
Photosynthesis – The process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into food and oxygen.
Respiration – The process of breaking down food to release energy in living organisms.
Newton’s First Law – An object remains in its state of motion or rest unless acted upon by an external force.
Newton’s Third Law – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Surface Tension – The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that makes it behave like a stretched elastic sheet.
Latent Heat – The heat absorbed or released during a phase change without changing temperature.
Capillary Action – The ability of a liquid to flow against gravity in narrow spaces due to cohesion and adhesion.
Convection – The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases).
Radiation – The transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves without needing a medium.
Echo – The reflection of sound waves off a surface back to the listener.
Electromagnetic Waves – Waves that can travel through a vacuum, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays.
Magnetism – The force exerted by magnets that attracts or repels certain metals.
Base – A substance with a pH above 7 that accepts protons (H⁺) or releases hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Combustion – The process of burning a substance in the presence of oxygen to release heat and light.
Abiotic Factors – Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, water, and soil.
Aerobic Respiration – The process in which cells use oxygen to produce energy from food.
Antioxidants – Substances that prevent or slow down oxidation, protecting cells from damage.
Aquifer – An underground layer of water-bearing rock that supplies wells and springs.
Arteries – Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.
Ascorbic Acid – Another name for Vitamin C, essential for immune function and skin health.
Astrobiology – The study of life in the universe, including conditions on other planets.
Atmospheric Pressure – The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on Earth's surface.
Autotrophs – Organisms, such as plants, that produce their food through photosynthesis.
Bacteria – Single-celled microorganisms, some of which cause diseases, while others aid digestion.
Biodiversity – The variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Biofuel – Renewable energy sources are made from biological materials like plants and algae.
Carbon Footprint – The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities.
Chlorophyll – The green pigment in plants responsible for capturing sunlight for photosynthesis.
Climate Change – Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns due to natural and human causes.
Compost – Organic matter that decomposes and enriches soil, used in farming and gardening.
Cytoplasm – The jelly-like substance inside cells where cellular activities take place.
Decomposition – The breakdown of organic matter by bacteria and fungi into simpler substances.
Detergent – A cleaning agent that removes dirt and grease, often made from surfactants.
Diabetes – A metabolic disorder in which the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – The genetic material in cells that carries instructions for growth and
reproduction.
Endangered Species – Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, or climate change.
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Endocrine System – The system of glands that produce hormones to regulate body functions.
Erosion – The gradual wearing away of soil, rock, or land due to wind, water, or ice.
Fermentation – The process in which microorganisms break down sugar to produce alcohol or lactic acid.
Greenhouse Effect – The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Hemoglobin – The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Immune System – The body's defense system against infections and diseases.
Insulin – A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, produced by the pancreas.
Ionization – The process of gaining or losing electrons to form charged particles (ions).
Magma – Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface that forms lava when it erupts.
Natural Selection – The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.
Nutrients – Essential substances in food that provide energy and support body functions.
Organic Farming – A farming method that avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Oxygenation – The process of adding oxygen to a substance, such as blood in the lungs.
Pollination – The transfer of pollen from one flower to another, enabling plant reproduction.
Renewable Energy – Energy sources that replenish naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Sedimentary Rock – Rock formed by the accumulation of mineral and organic particles over time.
Symbiosis – A relationship between two different organisms that benefits at least one of them.
Acid Rain – Rainwater is mixed with pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, making it acidic and
harmful to the environment.
Adrenaline – A hormone released in response to stress or danger, increasing heart rate and energy.
Agar – A jelly-like substance derived from seaweed, used in laboratories to grow bacteria.
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Air Resistance – The force that opposes the motion of objects moving through air, slowing them down.
Albedo – The measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface, with ice having a high albedo and forests a
low one.
Amphibians – Cold-blooded vertebrates that live both in water and on land, like frogs and salamanders.
Anemia – A condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently.
Antibiotic Resistance – When bacteria evolve to survive antibiotic treatments, making infections harder to cure.
Arthropods – A group of invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed limbs, including insects
and crabs.
Astigmatism – A vision defect caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred vision.
Aurora Borealis – Also known as the Northern Lights, colorful lights in the sky are caused by charged particles
from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
Autoclave – A device that uses steam and high pressure to sterilize medical and laboratory equipment.
Bacteriophage – A virus that infects and destroys bacteria, often used in medical research.
Barometer – An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, helping predict weather changes.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – The amount of energy the body uses at rest to maintain basic functions like
breathing.
Biodiesel – A renewable fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats, used as an alternative to diesel fuel.
Bioluminescence – The production of light by living organisms, such as fireflies and deep-sea fish.
Blood Plasma – The liquid part of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
Cataract – A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment.
Centrifuge – A machine that spins samples at high speeds to separate substances based on density.
Cholesterol – A fatty substance in blood that is essential for cell membranes but harmful in excess.
Convection – The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as warm air rising and cool air sinking.
Cryogenics – The study of extremely low temperatures and their effects on materials and organisms.
Defibrillator – A medical device that delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac
arrest.
Dermis – The inner layer of skin that contains nerves, blood vessels, and hair follicles.
Diode – An electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction only.
Echolocation – A method used by bats and dolphins to locate objects by producing sound waves and detecting
their echoes.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Emulsion – A mixture of two liquids that do not normally mix, such as oil and water.
Eutrophication – The excessive growth of algae in water bodies due to high nutrient levels, leading to oxygen
depletion.
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Forensic Science – The use of scientific techniques in criminal investigations, such as DNA analysis and
fingerprinting.
Fulcrum – The fixed point on which a lever pivots to lift or move objects.
Galvanization – The process of applying a protective zinc coating to metal to prevent rusting.
Germination – The process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow into a plant.
Glycogen – A stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles, used for energy.
Graphene – A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, known for its strength and
conductivity.
Gyroscope – A spinning device used for navigation and stabilization in vehicles and spacecraft.
Halogens – A group of reactive non-metal elements including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
Hibernation – A state of deep sleep and reduced metabolism in animals to survive cold temperatures.
Hydraulic System – A system that uses fluid pressure to perform work, such as in car brakes and heavy
machinery.
Hypothermia – A dangerous condition where body temperature drops too low due to prolonged exposure to cold.
Infrared Radiation – A type of electromagnetic radiation felt as heat, used in night vision and remote controls.
Insulation – A material that reduces heat transfer, keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.
Isomer – Compounds with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements and properties.
Laser – A device that emits highly focused, intense light used in surgery, communication, and cutting materials.
Lichens – A symbiotic combination of algae and fungi that grow on rocks and trees.
Lipids – A group of biological molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes, important for energy storage.
Lithosphere – The rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.
Meningitis – An infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal
cord.
Meteorite – A space rock that survives its passage through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the surface.
Neurotransmitter – A chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain and body.
Osmosis – The movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from a lower to a higher
concentration of solutes.
Photosynthesis – The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy.
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Radiation Therapy – The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer by targeting abnormal cells.
Stalactite – A mineral deposit hanging from the ceiling of a cave, formed by dripping water.
Terraforming – The hypothetical process of modifying a planet’s environment to make it habitable for humans.
Toxicology – The study of poisonous substances and their effects on living organisms.
Turbine – A device that converts fluid movement into mechanical energy, used in wind and hydroelectric power.
Vaccination – The process of introducing a weakened or inactive pathogen to stimulate immunity against
diseases.
Van Allen Belt – A zone of charged particles trapped by Earth's magnetic field, protecting the planet from solar
radiation.
Vernal Equinox – The time of year when day and night are equal, marking the beginning of spring.
Wind Chill – The cooling effect of wind on human skin, makes the temperature feel colder than it is.
Aerosol – Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, smoke, or mist.
Alkaline Battery – A type of battery that uses an alkaline electrolyte for longer-lasting power.
Amniotic Fluid – The protective liquid surrounding a developing fetus in the womb.
Antigen – A substance that triggers an immune response, often found in bacteria and viruses.
Apoptosis – The programmed cell death process that removes damaged or unnecessary cells from the body.
Archimedes’ Principle – A law stating that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force
equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
Artificial Selection – The human practice of breeding animals or plants for specific traits.
Aurora Australis – The Southern Hemisphere counterpart of the Northern Lights, caused by charged particles in
the atmosphere.
Barycenter – The center of mass around which two celestial bodies orbit each other.
Biosphere – The regions of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.
Catalyst – A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Cellulose – A complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – Chemical compounds once widely used in refrigeration and aerosols, are now
banned due to their role in ozone depletion.
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Circadian Rhythm – The body's natural 24-hour biological cycle regulating sleep and other functions.
Cochlea – A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that converts sound waves into nerve impulses.
Cryosphere – The frozen parts of Earth’s surface, including glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost.
Dark Matter – A mysterious, invisible substance that makes up most of the universe’s mass.
Diffusion – The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Erosion – The gradual wearing away of Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice.
Evapotranspiration – The combined process of water evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants.
Fahrenheit Scale – A temperature scale where water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F.
Fermentation – The process by which microorganisms break down sugars to produce energy, often used in
making bread and alcohol.
Fluorescence – The emission of light by a substance that absorbs energy, commonly used in highlighter pens and
LED lights.
Geothermal Energy – Heat energy derived from the Earth's interior, used for electricity and heating.
Glucose – A simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for living organisms.
Horizon – The apparent line where the Earth's surface and the sky meet.
Hypoxia – A condition in which body tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen supply.
Igneous Rock – Rock formed by the cooling and solidification of molten lava or magma.
Incubation Period – The time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.
Isotope – Variants of an element with different numbers of neutrons but the same number of protons.
Kinetic Theory – The idea that all matter is made up of particles in constant motion.
Lava – Molten rock that erupts from a volcano and solidifies on the Earth's surface.
Luminous Flux – The measure of the perceived power of light emitted by a source.
Magnetosphere – The region around a planet dominated by its magnetic field, protecting it from solar wind.
Metamorphic Rock – Rock that has been changed by heat, pressure, or chemical processes.
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Monsoon – A seasonal wind system that brings heavy rains to tropical regions.
Neutron Star – A dense celestial body formed from the collapsed core of a massive star.
Nucleic Acids – DNA and RNA, which carry genetic information in cells.
Optical Fiber – A thin strand of glass or plastic that transmits light signals for communication.
Ozone Layer – A protective layer of ozone gas in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from
the Sun.
Parallax – The apparent shift in the position of an object when viewed from different angles, used in astronomy to
measure distances.
Pesticide – A chemical used to kill pests that damage crops or spread diseases.
Pneumonia – A lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs.
Polymers – Large molecules made up of repeating units, found in plastics, rubber, and proteins.
Quasar – A distant celestial object emitting massive amounts of energy, believed to be powered by a
supermassive black hole.
Radiocarbon Dating – A technique used to determine the age of ancient organic materials by measuring carbon-
14 levels.
Refrigerant – A substance used in air conditioning and refrigeration to absorb and release heat.
Refraction – The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to water.
Rheostat – A device used to control electrical resistance and adjust current flow.
Solar Flares – Sudden eruptions of energy on the Sun’s surface, capable of affecting satellite communications.
Sublimation – The process where a solid changes directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase, as
seen with dry ice.
Supersonic Speed – A speed faster than the speed of sound (1,235 km/h or 767 mph).
Tornado – A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Uranium Enrichment – The process of increasing the concentration of uranium-235 for use in nuclear reactors
and weapons.
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Viscosity – A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, with honey being more viscous than water.
Volatile Substance – A substance that easily evaporates at normal temperatures, such as alcohol or gasoline.
Zygote – A fertilized egg cell that forms when a sperm and egg combine, marking the beginning of development.
Stratosphere – The atmospheric layer above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.
Igneous Rock – Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Seismic Waves – Vibrations that travel through Earth, caused by earthquakes.
Permafrost – Soil that remains frozen year-round in polar regions.
Fossilization – The process of preserving remains or traces of ancient organisms in rock.
Erosion – The process of wearing away rocks and soil by wind, water, or ice.
Drought – A prolonged period of low rainfall causing water shortages.
Geyser – A hot spring that periodically erupts with steam and water.
Watershed – An area of land where all water drains into a common water body.
Bioluminescence – The production of light by living organisms like fireflies and deep-sea creatures.