Definitions

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

  • Made of two materials
  • Matrix or binder surrounds reinforcement
  • Reinforcement can be fibers or fragments
• What is corrosion?

  Destruction of materials by chemical reactions
• What is desalination?

  The process of removing salt from seawater
• What is displacement in chemistry?

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

  Splitting an ionic compound using electricity
• What is the purpose of electroplating?

  To coat a metal for corrosion resistance
• What are finite resources?

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

  Protects against corrosion with a zinc layer
• What is groundwater?

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

  • Assesses environmental impact of products
  • Stages include:
  • Extracting and processing raw materials
  • Manufacturing and packaging
  • Use and operation
  • Disposal at end of life
• What are NPK fertilisers?

  Fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
• 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?

  Sand, sodium carbonate, and limestone
• What is sterilisation used for?

  To remove bacteria from water