using resources

• alloy


  a metal compound made by combining two or more metals together. this process is carried out to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion
• bioleaching


  a method that uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds
• borosilicate glass


  glass made from sand and boron trioxide. it melts at higher temperatures than soda-lime glass
• composite


  most composites are made of two materials, a matrix or binder surrounding and binding together fibres or fragments of the other material, which is called the reinforcement
• corrosion


  the destruction of materials by chemical reactions with subtances in the environment
• desalination


  the process of removing salt from seawater
• displacement


  a chemical reaction in whicha more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound
• electrolysis


  the splitting up of an ionic compound using electricity. the electric current is passed through a subtance causing chemical reactions at the electrodes and the decomposition of the materials
• electroplating


  the process of coating a metal with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis to improve the metal's corrosion resistance
• finite resources


  a non-renewable resource that cannot be readily replaced by a natual means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption
• galvanise


  a process used to protect against corrosion by coating the metal with a protective layer of zinc
• life cycle assessment


  this is carried out to assess the environmental impact of products in each of these stagess: extracting and processing raw materials, manufacturing and packaging, use and operation during its lifetime, disposal at the end of its useful life.
• ore


  a rock from which metal can be extracted
• phytomining


  this process uses plants to absorb metal compounds from the soil. the plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains the metal compounds
• potable water


  water that is safe to drink
• renewable resources


  a natural resource which can be used repeatedly and will not run out due to being naturally replenished
• sacrificial protection


  the protection of iron or steel against corrosion by using a more reactive metal. zinc is often used as the sacrificial metal
• sterilisation


  the process used to remove bacteria or living microorganisms from something. used during the treatment of water
• sustainable development


  development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
• the haber process


  the process used to manufacture ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen gas
• thermosetting polymers


  polymers which do not melt when heated
• thermosoftening polymers


  polymers which melt when heated and can be remoulded into different shapes
• What do we use Earth's resources for?

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

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

  Resources with a limited supply that will run out
• What role does chemistry play in sustainable development?

  It improves agricultural and industrial processes
• What is sustainable development?

  Development meeting current needs without compromising future generations
• 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
• Why is potable water not considered 'pure'?

  It contains dissolved substances but is safe
• What determines the methods used to produce potable water?

  Available water supplies and local conditions
• What is an appropriate source of fresh water in the UK?

  Rainwater collected in ground/rivers/lakes
• What is the purpose of filter beds in water treatment?

  To remove different sized insoluble solids
• How is water sterilised in the treatment process?

  Using agents like ozone, UV light, or chlorine
• What is required if only salty/sea water is available?

  Desalination is required
• What are two methods of desalination?

  Distillation and reverse osmosis
• Why are desalination methods considered expensive?

  Both methods require significant resources
• Why is correct quality water essential for life?

  It must be free of poisonous salts and harmful microbes
• What is the first step in producing correct quality water?

  Passing water through a mesh screen