Building Cars Flashcards
What is the word equation for oxidation (rusting) ?
Iron + oxygen + water = hydrated iron (III) oxide
When does rusting happen?
When iron is in contact with oxygen and water = oxidation
What increases rate of rusting?
Salty or acidic water
Cars in coastal areas near sea spray rust quicker
Why doesn’t aluminium rust / corrode?
Aluminium reacts quickly with oxygen in air to form aluminium oxide
This forms a protective layer which prevents further reaction
What are advantages / disadvantages of making cars from steel or aluminium?
Aluminium much lighter giving better fuel economy, saving resources
Aluminium corrodes less, lasts longer
Aluminium costs a lot more than steel so most cars made from steel!
Name 5 materials used in car production
Steel - bodywork, strong
Aluminium - strong, low density, used in engine
Glass - transparent, used for windscreen!
Plastics - light and hard wearing, used for dashboard etc and covering wires
Fibres - hard wearing, used for seat and floor coverings
Why should we recycle cars?
Save natural resources and money
Reduce landfill
Biggest problem is sorting non- metal parts to recycle
