C10 - Using Resources Flashcards
What are natural resources?
Natural resources form without human input and include anything that comes from the earth, sea, or air
Examples include cotton for clothing and oil for fuel.
What are synthetic products?
Synthetic products are man-made alternatives that can replace natural resources
For example, man-made polymers can replace natural rubber.
How does agriculture enhance natural resources?
Agriculture provides conditions where natural resources can be enhanced for our needs
The development of fertilizers allows for high crop yields.
What are renewable resources?
Renewable resources reform at a similar rate to, or faster than, we use them
Examples include timber, fresh water, and food.
What are finite (non-renewable) resources?
Finite resources aren’t formed quickly enough to be replaced and include fossil fuels and nuclear fuels
Examples are uranium, plutonium, and minerals found in ores.
What is fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is a man-made process used to produce usable products from raw materials
For example, it is used to produce petrol from crude oil.
What is the significance of energy density in resource comparison?
Energy density helps compare the efficiency of different resources
For example, coal has a higher energy density than timber.
What are the risks associated with extracting finite resources?
Extracting finite resources has social, economic, and environmental effects
Mining can provide jobs but also harms the environment.
Fill in the blank: Renewable resources include _______.
timber, fresh water, food.
True or False: All natural resources can be replaced by synthetic products.
False
Some natural resources cannot be fully replaced or improved upon.
Identify two finite resources.
Fossil fuels, nuclear fuels
Includes uranium and plutonium.
What is the primary benefit of recycling compared to using new finite resources?
Recycling is far better than using new finite resources which will eventually run out.
Define sustainable development.
An approach to development that takes account of the needs of present society while not damaging the lives of future generations.
What is one way to reduce the use of finite resources?
Using less of the resource.
How can chemists contribute to sustainability?
By developing and adapting processes that use lower amounts of finite resources and reduce environmental damage.
What is bioleaching?
A process where bacteria convert copper compounds in the ore into soluble copper compounds.
What is phytomining?
Growing plants in copper-rich soil to accumulate copper in their leaves, which can then be harvested and processed.
Why are traditional methods of copper mining considered damaging?
They have a significant negative impact on the environment.
List three benefits of recycling metals.
- Reduces the need for copper-rich ores
- Uses much less energy than mining
- Conserves finite amounts of each metal in the earth
What is the process for recycling metals?
Melting them and casting them into the shape of new products.
How can glass recycling help sustainability?
By reducing the amount of energy needed to make new glass products and cutting down on waste.
What is usually done to glass before recycling?
Separated by color and chemical composition.
What happens to glass after it is crushed for recycling?
It is melted and reshaped for use in new glass products.
True or False: All types of glass can be reused without reshaping.
False.