Topic 10: Using Resources

• What is an alloy?

  A metal compound of two or more metals
• Why are alloys created?

  To enhance strength or corrosion resistance
• What is bioleaching?

  Using bacteria to produce leachate solutions
• What is borosilicate glass made from?

  Sand and boron trioxide
• How does borosilicate glass differ from soda-lime glass?

  Borosilicate glass melts at higher temperatures
• What is a composite material?

  A material made of a matrix and reinforcement
• What is the role of the matrix in a composite?

  It binds together the reinforcement materials
• What is corrosion?

  Destruction of materials by chemical reactions
• What is an example of corrosion?

  Rusting of iron
• What is desalination?

  Removing salt from seawater
• What is displacement in chemistry?

  A more reactive element displaces a less reactive one
• What is electrolysis?

  Splitting an ionic compound using electricity
• What happens during electrolysis?

  Chemical reactions occur at the electrodes
• What is electroplating?

  Coating a metal with another metal using electrolysis
• Why is electroplating used?

  To improve a metal's corrosion resistance
• What are finite resources?

  Non-renewable resources that cannot be replaced quickly
• What is galvanising?

  Coating metal with zinc to prevent corrosion
• What is groundwater?

  Water held underground in soil and rock
• What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

  Assessment of environmental impact of products
• What do NPK fertilisers contain?

  Compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• How do NPK fertilisers affect agriculture?

  They improve agricultural productivity
• What is an ore?

  A rock from which metal can be extracted
• What is phytomining?

  Using plants to absorb metal compounds from soil
• What is potable water?

  Water that is safe to drink
• What are raw materials?

  The basic material from which a product is made
• What are renewable resources?

  Natural resources that can be replenished
• What is sacrificial protection?

  Using a more reactive metal to protect iron
• What is soda-lime glass made from?

  A mixture of sand, sodium carbonate, and limestone
• What is sterilisation used for?

  To remove bacteria from water
• What is sustainable development?

  Development that meets current and future needs
• What is the Haber process used for?

  To manufacture ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen
• What are thermosetting polymers?

  Polymers that do not melt when heated
• What are thermosoftening polymers?

  Polymers that melt and can be remoulded
• What do we use Earth's resources for?

  Warmth, shelter, food, and transport
• How do natural resources supplement food supply?

  They provide food, timber, clothing, and fuels
• What are finite resources processed for?

  To provide energy and materials
• What is sustainable development?

  Development meeting current needs without compromising future needs
• What are renewable energy resources?

  Sources of power that quickly replenish themselves
• When do plants/wood count as renewable resources?

  When they continue to be re-planted
• What is potable water?

  Water that is safe to drink