Ch. 2

Dispersed and has little ability to do useful work. Like dispersed heat with low temp

Dilute, located deep underground or dispersed in the ocean or atmosphere, and has little potential as a material resource

Total amount of material needed to produce each unit of goods or services

Mathematical models ran through a computer that analyzes many variables.

Nuclear change in which unstable isotopes simultaneously emit chunks of matter or high energy radiation.

A series if logically connected statements

When two or more processes interact so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Occur within the system at certain rates

Develop powerful hydrogen or thermonuclear weapons. Uses D-T fusion reaction that uses hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3 are fused to form helium-4, a neutron, and energy

Complex chemical pollutants that living organism break down into simpler chemicals, like human sewage.

Broken down completely

Take decades or longer to degrade, like DDT and most plastics

Cannot be broken down naturally, like lead, mercury, arsenic.

Uses specific observations and measurements to arrive at a general conclusion or hypothesis

Scientific results that are presented a sound science without having undergone review or that are discarded because of review.

Enough fissionable nuclei must be present for needed capture of neutrons.

Uses logic to arrive from generalization to a specific conclusion

How long the pollutants stay in the air, water, soil, or body.