1B5 Applications in Daily Life Flashcards
Explore the diverse applications and impacts of chemistry in daily life.
What are five ways chemistry is used within daily life?
- Water purification
- Commercial Products
- Mining and Industry
- Biological Systems
- Medicine and Technology
Chemical processes are found in all areas of daily life, whether they are natural or man-made. Commercial products such as soap, plastics, and batteries all rely on chemical principles for functionality.
Define:
water purification
The process of removing contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking or other uses.
It includes physical, chemical, and biological methods.
What is the role of chemistry in water purification?
Wastewater treatment leverages chemical processes to purify water and remove contaminants.
Chemical processes include using chlorine for disinfection, or coagulants like alum to remove suspended particles. Advanced methods include using activated carbon and reverse osmosis.
How do disinfectants work?
They use chemical processes to break down or inactivate microorganisms and pathogens.
Chlorine, ozone, and UV light are common disinfectants used in water treatment as well as other areas of daily life.
True or False:
Wastewater must be treated before being released into the environment.
True
Untreated wastewater can spread diseases and pollute water bodies. Using chemical, biological, and physical processes to clean water means that it will be safer for humans and the environment.
List five common chemicals found in household products.
- Ammonia (glass cleaners)
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Glycerol (soaps)
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
These chemicals allow us to clean our homes, clothes, and ourselves!
How is chemistry involved in soap production?
Soap is made through a chemical process known as saponification.
It is chemical reaction between fats or oils and a strong base like sodium hydroxide that produces soap and glycerol.
Fill in the blank.
Batteries store _________ energy for later use.
chemical
They convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
List three types of batteries.
- Alkaline
- Lithium-ion
- Lead-acid
Different batteries serve various purposes, and utilize different chemical processes.
What is the chemical principle behind battery operation?
oxidation-reduction reactions
Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction at the cathode, generating electrical energy.
How is radiation used in medicine?
- Imaging (e.g., X-rays)
- Treatment (e.g., radiation therapy for cancer)
Radiation technology improves diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
List three types of medical imaging techniques.
- X-rays
- MRI
- Ultrasound
These chemical techniques help diagnose and monitor different health conditions.
True or False:
MRI uses ionizing radiation.
False
MRI is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation.
It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.
Fill in the blank:
Radiation therapy uses __________ to treat cancer.
high-energy radiation
Radiation targets and destroys cancer cells.
What is a disadvantage of radiation in medical use?
It can cause tissue damage if not properly controlled.
Proper safety measures minimize risks.
Fill in the blank:
X-rays use _________ radiation to capture images of bones and tissues.
ionizing
X-rays penetrate tissues to create images on film.
Define:
nanotechnology
It is the science and engineering of manipulating at the level of atoms and molecules to create materials, devices, and systems with unique properties and functions.
Nanotechnology is used in medicine, electronics, energy, and materials science.
It improves performance, efficiency, and precision.
Define:
nanobots
Tiny robots designed to perform specific tasks at the molecular or cellular level.
Nanobots have applications in medicine and industry. They can be used as chemical catalysts, to deliver drugs, or as methods of cancer treatments.
What are radiopharmaceuticals?
They are radioactive drugs used in medical diagnosis and treatment
These drugs contain radioactive isotopes and are used mainly for imaging, but can also be used for treating diseases like cancer. For example, Iodine-123 is used for thryoid imaging.
What is the impact of mining on the environment?
- Habitat destruction
- Pollution
Mining involves chemical processes and can affect soil, water, and air quality.
True or False:
Mining only has negative impacts on the environment.
False
While mining can harm the environment, it does create jobs and spur economic growth. More sustainable practices can minimize damage.
List two sustainable practices in mining.
- Land reclamation
- Waste management
These practices reduce environmental impact by restoring land to a more beneficial use, or treating mine waste to reduce the presence of toxic chemicals.
True or False:
Recycling reduces the need for mining.
True
Recycling materials reduces the demand for raw resources obtained from mining.
List two materials commonly recycled.
- Aluminum
- Plastic
Recycling conserves resources and reduces waste.
How does chemistry help in recycling?
It creates chemical processes for breaking down different materials.
Chemical processes like depolymerization to break down plastics for reuse.
Define:
plastics
They are synthetic polymers made from chemical compounds, used widely due to their versatility and durability.
Examples include polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinlchloride.
List three commercial products made from plastics.
- Bottles
- Packaging
- Electronics casings
Fill in the blank.
___________ is the process of breaking down plastics into reusable materials.
Recycling
Plastic recycling helps reduce waste and conserve resources. However, plastic production can also release harmful chemicals, and plastics can end up in our environment and within animals.
What is the significance of catalysts in industrial processes?
They speed up chemical reactions without being consumed, increasing efficiency and reducing energy costs.
Platinum is a common catalyst in automotive exhaust systems.
What role does green chemistry play in industrial applications?
It designs processes that minimize waste and environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
An example is using biodegradable solvents.
How does chemistry support advancements in biological technology?
It enhances healthcare by creating/developing:
- Diagnostic tools
- Synthetic drugs
- Bioengineered materials
Example: CRISPR technology that relies on chemical insights for gene editing.
How does chemistry contribute to biological systems?
It studies chemical make-ups biomolecules like DNA, proteins, and enzymes.
Chemical techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy aid in these studies of biological molecules. Chemistry also helps to predict certain interactions of biomolecules based on their elemental or atomic make-up.
What is the role of enzymes in biological systems?
They act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms.
Examples include amylase for digesting starch and lipase for fats.
How does bioremediation help in environmental cleanup?
It is a chemical process that uses microorganisms to break down pollutants.
Bioremediation is used to treat oil spills and contaminated soil.
