A cation is a positively charged ion. An anion is a negatively charged ion. Below are six common mineral-forming cations and anions. Match / identify each ion into the correct grouping.

In a thunderstorm, electrons jump from tiny ice crystals to larger hailstones. This creates a charge separation between positively and negatively charged parts of a storm cloud. Lightning is produced when the electrostatic potential becomes strong enough to surge across a large expanse of insulating air. Click on the part of the storm cloud that will become negatively charged.

  Silicates are the most common rock-forming minerals on Earth. All silicate minerals include the silica tetrahedron (pictured below). Label the ball and stick model with the correct elements that form the silica tetrahedron. You may need to use some labels more than once

Which of the following statements accurately distinguish between minerals, melts, and metals? (Select all that apply.)

Using bathymetry, it is possible to identify long lines of islands and seamounts that appear to trail from the hot spot that is currently under the island of Hawaii. Watch the video and then answer the following question. Hot Spots and Islands of Hawaii If the Emperor seamounts were formed by hot spot eruptions 70 million years ago and Hawaii was formed by modern eruptions, which way has the Pacific Plate moved? Remember that hot spots remain stationary while the plate moves over them, creating the island chains.

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the difference between contact and field forces?

A main-sequence star, like our Sun, has a specific life cycle. In the following animation, click on the “Topics” menu and select “Intermediate Mass Stars.” Watch the animation, and then complete the problem that follows. Click here to open the animation in a new window. Place the following events of an intermediate-mass star’s life cycle in chronological order.

In our Solar System, many celestial bodies are primarily solid (terrestrial). Others are primarily gas. Organize the terms below based on the dominant phase.  

Which of the following statements correctly compare the Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following statements accurately describe processes or outcomes related to the condensation theory and Earth’s differentiation? (Select all that apply.)