Molecule

smallest particle of a substance, composed of two or more atoms

Mass

the amount of matter in something, measured in grams (g)

Matter

anything that takes up space and has mass

Atmosphere

the gas-like envelope surrounding the earth

Solar Energy

energy from the sun that is changed to thermal energy (heat and light)

Heat Sink

any environment that absorbs heat

Temperature

a measure of warmth of an object or substance, measured in *C

Thermometer

instrument for measuring temperature

Cold Front

mass of cold air meets warmer air

Precipitation

rain, snow, hail, or sleet

Warm Front

warm air mass moves against a cold air mass

Convection

flow of warm air up and cool air down

Water Vapor

gas form of water

Energy Transfer

when an object or substance absorbs energy (like heat) from another object

Earth Material

examples like rocks, sand, soil that make up the Earth's continents