Atomphere Flase Cards

Question 1

What is a finite resource? Give an example.

Answer 1

A finite resource is a natural resource that cannot be replenished after it is used up.

Example: fossil fuels.

Question 2

What is a renewable resource? Give an example.

Answer 2

A renewable resource is a natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time.

Example: solar energy.

Question 3

What is water that is safe to drink called?

Answer 3

Potable water.

Question 4

Why is water filtered during the purification of water?

Answer 4

To remove impurities and contaminants.

Question 5

How and why is drinking water sterilised?

Answer 5

Drinking water is sterilised using methods like chlorination or boiling to kill harmful microorganisms.

Question 6

Place the following in the correct order for the treatment of waste water: grit removal, anaerobic treatment of sludge, sedimentation, screening, aerobic treatment of effluent, settlement tanks, aeration.

Answer 6

1. Screening
2. Grit removal
3. Sedimentation
4. Aeration
5. Aerobic treatment of effluent
6. Settlement tanks
7. Anaerobic treatment of sludge.

Question 7

What is an ore?

Answer 7

A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted.

Question 8

What is an alloy?

Answer 8

A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and another element.

Question 9

What are the properties and uses of high carbon steel?

Answer 9

High carbon steel is hard and strong, used for cutting tools and blades.

Question 10

What are the properties and uses of low carbon steel?

Answer 10

Low carbon steel is ductile and malleable, used for construction and automotive applications.

Question 11

What is the meaning of corrosion?

Answer 11

The gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, by chemical reactions with their environment.

Question 12

What is the corrosion of iron or steel called? Write a word equation for this reaction.

Answer 12

Rusting.

Word equation: Iron + Oxygen + Water → Iron(III) oxide (rust).

Question 13

How can rusting be prevented?

Answer 13

By applying protective coatings, using corrosion-resistant materials, or galvanization.

Question 14

Explain how bioleaching works.

Answer 14

Bioleaching uses bacteria to extract metals from their ores.

Question 15

Explain how phytomining works.

Answer 15

Phytomining involves growing plants that accumulate metals from the soil, which are then harvested for extraction.

Question 16

What is the difference between a thermosetting and a thermosoftening polymer?

Answer 16

Thermosetting polymers harden permanently when set, while thermosoftening polymers can be reshaped upon heating.

Question 17

What is soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass made from?

Answer 17

Soda-lime glass is made from silica, soda, and lime; borosilicate glass is made from silica and boron trioxide.

Question 18

Give an example of a composite material and state its use.

Answer 18

Concrete; used in construction.

Question 19

What is meant by the phrase ‘life cycle assessment’?

Answer 19

A method to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle.

Question 20

List 3 materials that are recyclable.

Answer 20

• Paper
• Glass
• Plastic.

Question 21

Why is it important to reuse or recycle materials?

Answer 21

To conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact.

Question 22

What is a resource that cannot be replaced once it has been used?

Answer 22

Fossil fuels, metal ores

These resources are finite and can be depleted.

Question 23

What is a resource that we can replace once we have used it?

Answer 23

Air, oxygen, biofuels

These resources can be regenerated or replenished.

Question 24

What is defined as portable water?

Answer 24

Water that is safe for drinking and cooking

It must be free from contaminants.

Question 25

What is the first step in water treatment?

Answer 25

Remove any solid particles from the water ## Footnote This is crucial for ensuring water clarity and safety.

Question 26

What treatments kill microbes in water?

Answer 26

Ozone or ultraviolet light ## Footnote These methods are effective in disinfecting water.

Question 27

List the steps involved in water treatment.

Answer 27

* Screening * Grit removal * Sedimentation tanks * Aeration * Setting tanks * Aerobic treatment of effluent * Anaerobic treatment of sludge ## Footnote Each step plays a role in purifying water.

Question 28

What is a rock from which a metal can be extracted for profit called?

Answer 28

Ore ## Footnote Ores are valuable for metal extraction.

Question 29

What is an alloy?

Answer 29

A mixture of a metal with small amounts of other metals or carbon ## Footnote Alloys are often created to enhance properties.

Question 30

Describe the properties and uses of hard and brittle materials.

Answer 30

* Properties: Hard and brittle * Uses: Saw blades ## Footnote These materials are ideal for cutting tools.

Question 31

Describe the properties and uses of soft and easily shaped materials.

Answer 31

* Properties: Soft and easily shaped * Uses: Car bodies ## Footnote These materials are suitable for manufacturing complex shapes.

Question 32

What is the destruction of materials by chemical reactions with environmental substances called?

Answer 32

Corrosion ## Footnote This process can lead to significant material degradation.

Question 33

What is rusting?

Answer 33

Iron + water + oxygen → rust ## Footnote This is a common example of corrosion.

Question 34

How can rusting be prevented?

Answer 34

* Use of a sacrificial protective layer * Use of a protective coating ## Footnote These methods help protect iron and steel from corrosion.

Question 35

What is bioleaching?

Answer 35

Use of bacteria to produce soluble metal compounds from insoluble metal compounds ## Footnote This method is an environmentally friendly way of metal extraction.

Question 36

What is phytomining?

Answer 36

The use of plants to absorb metal compounds from soil as part of metal extraction ## Footnote This technique utilizes plant biology for resource extraction.

Question 37

What is a thermosetting polymer?

Answer 37

A polymer with covalent bonds between chains that does not soften or melt when heated ## Footnote These materials maintain their shape under heat.

Question 38

What is a thermosoftening polymer?

Answer 38

A polymer with no bonds between chains that softens and melts when heated ## Footnote These materials can be reshaped upon heating.

Question 39

What are the components of soda-lime glass?

Answer 39

* Sand * Sodium carbonate * Calcium carbonate ## Footnote This is the most common type of glass.

Question 40

What are the components of borosilicate glass?

Answer 40

* Sand * Boron trioxide ## Footnote This glass is known for its thermal resistance.

Question 41

What is concrete made from?

Answer 41

* Cement * Water * Sand * Crushed rock ## Footnote Concrete is a widely used building material.

Question 42

What is a life cycle assessment?

Answer 42

An examination of the impact of a product on the environment throughout its life ## Footnote This assessment helps to identify environmental effects at each stage.

Question 43

Name three materials that can be reused or recycled.

Answer 43

* Metals * Glass * Plastics ## Footnote These materials can significantly reduce environmental impact when reused.

Question 44

What are the benefits of reusing and recycling?

Answer 44

* Reduces the impact of manufacturing new materials on the environment * Reduces the impact of waste disposal on the environment * Reduces the use of the Earth's limited resources * Reduces energy consumption and the use of fuels ## Footnote These practices are essential for sustainable development.

Question 45

What is the combination of gases in the current atmosphere?

Answer 45

Mainly nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), carbon dioxide (0.04%), and trace gases. ## Footnote The current atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases.

Question 46

What other planets are thought to have atmospheres similar to that of early Earth?

Answer 46

Mars and Venus. ## Footnote Mars and Venus are considered to have had atmospheres that could resemble early Earth's atmospheric conditions.

Question 47

What 5 gases could have been released from volcanos, changing the atmosphere of the early Earth?

Answer 47

* Water vapor * Carbon dioxide * Nitrogen * Sulfur dioxide * Methane ## Footnote These gases were likely emitted during volcanic eruptions, significantly altering the early Earth's atmosphere.

Question 48

As the Earth cooled, what happened to the water vapour in the atmosphere?

Answer 48

It condensed to form liquid water, leading to the formation of oceans. ## Footnote The cooling of the Earth allowed water vapor to change from gas to liquid, resulting in the creation of oceans.

Question 49

Where did the oxygen in the atmosphere come from? Equation?

Answer 49

From photosynthesis; Equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2. ## Footnote Photosynthesis by plants and cyanobacteria produced oxygen as a byproduct.

Question 50

Where did all the carbon dioxide go from the early atmosphere?

Answer 50

Absorbed by oceans and used by plants for photosynthesis. ## Footnote The dissolution in oceans and biological processes contributed to the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Question 51

What is a greenhouse gas?

Answer 51

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. ## Footnote Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, which help maintain Earth's temperature.

Question 52

Name 3 greenhouse gases.

Answer 52

* Carbon dioxide * Methane * Nitrous oxide ## Footnote These gases are significant contributors to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Question 53

What caused the increase in carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere?

Answer 53

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation. ## Footnote Human activities such as industrial processes and land-use changes have led to higher levels of carbon dioxide.

Question 54

Where does the methane come from?

Answer 54

From natural processes like decomposition and human activities such as agriculture and waste management. ## Footnote Methane is released during the breakdown of organic matter and from livestock digestion.

Question 55

What is global warming?

Answer 55

The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities. ## Footnote Global warming is primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Question 56

List the 6 factors that are being influenced by global warming.

Answer 56

* Temperature * Sea levels * Weather patterns * Ecosystems * Agriculture * Human health ## Footnote These factors are interconnected and affected by climate change and global warming.

Question 57

What is meant by the term carbon footprint?

Answer 57

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product. ## Footnote Carbon footprint is usually measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Question 58

Fuels and processes whose use results in zero net release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere' is the definition of...?

Answer 58

Carbon-neutral. ## Footnote Carbon-neutral practices aim to balance emitted greenhouse gases with those removed from the atmosphere.

Question 59

What problems does carbon dioxide cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 59

Causes climate change; Solutions include reducing fossil fuel use and increasing renewable energy. ## Footnote Addressing carbon dioxide emissions is critical for mitigating climate change.

Question 60

What problems does carbon monoxide cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 60

Causes respiratory issues and environmental pollution; Solutions include improving combustion efficiency and using catalytic converters. ## Footnote Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion.

Question 61

What problems does soot cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 61

Affects air quality and climate; Solutions include using cleaner fuels and improving combustion technology. ## Footnote Soot is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels and biomass.

Question 62

What problems does sulfur dioxide cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 62

Causes acid rain and respiratory problems; Solutions include reducing fossil fuel use and installing scrubbers in industrial processes. ## Footnote Sulfur dioxide is primarily produced by burning coal and oil.

Question 63

What problems do nitrogen oxides cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 63

Contributes to smog and respiratory issues; Solutions include using catalytic converters and improving fuel efficiency. ## Footnote Nitrogen oxides are produced during combustion at high temperatures.

Question 64

What problems do unburned hydrocarbons cause and what can be done about it?

Answer 64

Contribute to smog and health problems; Solutions include improving combustion processes and using cleaner fuels. ## Footnote Unburned hydrocarbons are emissions from incomplete combustion of fuels.