4.7.2.3 Decomposition Flashcards
1
Q
What factors affect the rate of decomposition?
A
- temperature
- water
- availability of oxygen
2
Q
How does temperature affect rate of decomposition?
A
- chemical reactions generally work faster in warmer conditions
- if too hot, enzymes can denature and stop decomposition
3
Q
How does water affect rate of decomposition?
A
- microorganisms grow faster in conditions with water
- water is needed for respiration
- water makes food easier to digest
4
Q
How does the availability of oxygen affect rate of decomposition?
A
- most decomposers respire aerobically
5
Q
What is compost?
A
- product of when biological material decays
6
Q
How is compost used by gardeners and farmers?
A
- natural fertiliser
7
Q
How do gardeners and farmers use compost as natural fertiliser?
A
- provide optimum conditions for decay
- if more oxygen is available, they respire aerobically and produce heat
- increased temperature increases rate of decay so compost is made quicker
8
Q
What microorganisms produce when decomposing waste anaerobically?
A
- methane gas
9
Q
What is methane gas used for?
A
- burning it as a fuel
10
Q
What do biogas generators produce?
A
- methane
11
Q
What are the conditions in a biogas generator to produce methane?
A
- constant temperature of 30 degrees so microorganisms keep respiring
- cannot be stored as a liquid so needs to be used immediately
