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AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Lethal Dose $50\%$ ($ ext{LD}_{50}$)

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.

What two key factors are specified in the definition of LD50?
The definition specifies the dose of a chemical and its lethal effect on 50% of a population of a particular species.
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What two key factors are specified in the definition of LD50?
The definition specifies the dose of a chemical and its lethal effect on 50% of a population of a particular species.
What percentage of a population is expected to die when exposed to the LD50 of a chemical?
When a population of a particular species is exposed to the LD50 of a chemical, 50% of that population is expected to die.
Fill in the blank: The LD50 is the dose of a chemical that is lethal to ___% of the population of a particular species.
The LD50 is the dose of a chemical that is lethal to 50% of the population of a particular species.
What is Lethal Dose 50% (LD50)?
LD50 is the dose of a chemical that is lethal to 50% of the population of a particular species.
True or False: The LD50 is the dose of a chemical that makes 50% of a population sick.
False. The LD50 is the dose that is lethal (causes death) to 50% of the population, not just sickness.
Provide a concise definition of LD50.
It is the specific dose of a chemical that kills half (50%) of a tested population of a single species.
What is the term for the dose of a chemical that is lethal to half of a specific population?
The term is Lethal Dose 50%, or LD50.
What does the abbreviation LD50 stand for?
LD50 stands for Lethal Dose 50%.
Does the LD50 value apply to all species universally?
No, the LD50 value is specific to a "particular species" and is not universal.
If a species is exposed to a chemical at its LD50, what is the expected mortality rate?
The expected mortality rate is 50% for that particular species.