Using Resources

Question 1

What is an alloy?

Answer 1

A metal compound made by combining two or more metals together to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.

Question 2

What is bioleaching?

Answer 2

Bioleaching uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds.

Question 3

What is desalination?

Answer 3

The process of removing salt from seawater.

Question 4

What is displacement in chemistry?

Answer 4

A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.

Question 5

What is electrolysis?

Answer 5

The splitting up of an ionic compound using electricity, causing chemical reactions at the electrodes and the decomposition of the materials.

Question 6

What are finite resources?

Answer 6

A non-renewable resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption.

Question 7

What is ground water?

Answer 7

Water held underground in the soil and crevices in rock.

Question 8

What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

Answer 8

Life cycle assessments are carried out to assess the environmental impact of products in stages such as extracting and processing raw materials, manufacturing and packaging, use and operation during its lifetime, and disposal at the end of its useful life.

Question 9

What is ore?

Answer 9

A rock from which metal can be extracted.

Question 10

What is phytomining?

Answer 10

Phytomining uses plants to absorb metal compounds from the soil. The plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains the metal compounds.

Question 11

What is potable water?

Answer 11

Water that is safe to drink.

Question 12

What are raw materials?

Answer 12

The basic material from which a product is made.

Question 13

What are renewable resources?

Answer 13

A natural resource which can be used repeatedly and will not run out due to being naturally replenished.

Question 14

What is sterilisation?

Answer 14

The process used to remove bacteria or living microorganisms from something, often used during the treatment of water.

Question 15

What is sustainable development?

Answer 15

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 16

What are thermosetting polymers?

Answer 16

Polymers which do not melt when heated.

Question 17

What are thermosoftening polymers?

Answer 17

Polymers which melt when heated and can be remoulded into different shapes.

Question 18

Explain the process of phytomining

Answer 18

1. Plants are grown on soil that contains metal compounds (e.g. copper).
   
   2. The plants absorb metal ions from the soil through their roots.
   3. The metal becomes stored in the plant’s tissues (leaves and stems).
   4. The plants are then harvested and dried.
   5. The dried plants are burned in a furnace, producing ash that contains metal compounds.
   6. The metal is extracted from the ash, usually by adding acid to make a solution, then using displacement or electrolysis.

Question 19

Explain the process of bioleaching

Answer 19

1. Bacteria are added to metal ore (e.g. copper sulfide).
   
   2. The bacteria break down the ore and release metal ions.
   3. The metal ions go into a solution called a leachate.
   4. The leachate contains dissolved metal compounds.
   5. Metals are extracted from the leachate by displacement (e.g. with scrap iron) or electrolysis.
   6. This method is slower than traditional mining but less harmful to the environment.

Question 20

Explain the process of treating waste water

Answer 20

1. Screening – Large solids and grit are removed using metal bars or filters.
   
   2. Sedimentation – Water stands in a tank and solids sink to form sludge, while effluent floats.
   3. Aeration – Air is bubbled through the effluent to encourage aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter.
   4. Digestion of sludge – The sludge is broken down anaerobically (without oxygen) by bacteria, producing biogas.
   5. Further treatment – The treated water may undergo additional filtering or sterilisation (e.g. UV light or chlorine).
   6. Safe release – The clean water is released into rivers or lakes, safe for the environment.

Question 21

What are some ways where you can reduce the use of resources

Answer 21

1. Reduce – Use fewer materials in manufacturing (e.g. lighter packaging, less plastic).
   
   2. Reuse – Use products multiple times instead of throwing them away (e.g. refillable bottles, shopping bags).
   3. Recycle – Melt and remould materials like glass, plastic, and metals to make new products.
   4. Use alternative materials – Replace non-renewable materials with renewable or biodegradable ones (e.g. plant-based plastics).
   5. Improve efficiency – Design products to last longer and use less energy (e.g. LED lights, fuel-efficient engines).
   6. Repair – Fix items rather than replacing them, reducing waste and demand for new resources.
   7. Conserve water – Reduce water usage in homes and industry (e.g. water meters, low-flow toilets).
   8. Sustainable mining and manufacturing – Use less damaging methods (e.g. phytomining, recycling metals from e-waste).