10: Using Resources

• What are some purposes for which humans use the Earth's natural resources?

  Energy, building materials, food, fuels, clothing
• Why do many people argue that resource use is unsustainable?

  Because resources are being used too quickly
• What is the role of chemists in relation to Earth's resources?

  To improve agriculture and industrial processes sustainably
• What does it mean to use resources in a sustainable way?

  Future generations can also meet their needs
• What must not happen to the Earth's resources according to sustainability principles?

  They must not be completely used up
• What are the main categories of Earth's natural resources used by humans?

  • Energy and fuels for warmth
  • Building materials for shelter
  • Food through farming
  • Fuels for transport
  • Materials for clothing
• What are finite resources?

  Resources that will eventually run out
• How can finite resources be utilized?

  They can be processed for energy and materials
• What are renewable resources?

  Resources that will not run out soon
• What is one important finite resource found in the Earth's crust?

  Crude oil
• How is crude oil processed?

  Through fractional distillation and cracking
• Why is sea water considered a renewable resource?

  It is abundant and won't be depleted
• How were fertilizers obtained before 1910?

  From natural resources like manure
• What process allows the production of synthetic fertilizers?

  The Haber process
• What has the Haber process enabled in agriculture?

  Production of fertilizers from nitrogen in air
• How have synthetic fertilizers impacted farming?

  They have allowed intensive farming to spread