C10: The Earth's Resources

Question 1

What is sustainable development?

Answer 1

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations.

Question 2

Name 5 finite resources.

Answer 2

Metals, Oil, Coal, Natural Gas, Nuclear Fuels

Question 3

Define “Finite” resources.

Answer 3

Resources that can’t be replenished at the rate we are using them.

Question 4

Name 3 ways in which water can be sterilised.

Answer 4

Using Chlorine, Ultraviolet or Ozone.

Question 5

What are the steps used to make potable water?

Answer 5

1. Pass through a mesh screen to remove big particles. 2. Pass through filter beds to remove small particles, 3. Sterilise using chlorine, ozone or ultraviolet to kill microbes.

Question 6

Define “Potable” water.

Answer 6

Water that is safe to drink.

Question 7

How can you purify saltwater?

Answer 7

Reverse Osmosis or Distillation

Question 8

Why is it more effective to make potable water from pure water rather than salt water?

Answer 8

Because it takes much more energy to separate saltwater. (Thus increasing the cost)

Question 9

What happens in the sterilisation of water?

Answer 9

Microbes are KILLED. (Not destroyed.)

Question 10

How is waste water treated? (4 Steps)

Answer 10

1. Screening - removes large objects and grit (using a metal grid). 2. Sedimentation - produce sewage sludge and effluent (liquid). 3. Anaerobic digestion of sludge. 4. Aerobic digestion of effluent.

Question 11

What is the difference between treating sludge and effluent in sewage treatment?

Answer 11

Sludge is digested anaerobically, effluent is digested aerobically.

Question 12

Describe what happens during the distillation of saltwater.

Answer 12

The pure water evaporates when heated, the steam travelling up the delivery tube and condensing again in the beaker.

Question 13

What is an order of magnitude?

Answer 13

A multiplication or division by 10.

Question 14

What is a life cycle assessment?

Answer 14

A way of analysing the “life” of a product to see how much water and energy is used and the effects on the environment of each stage.

Question 15

What are the stages of an item’s life cycle?

Answer 15

1. Getting and using raw materials.
2. Making and distributing the product (+ packaging).
3. Using, reusing and maintaining the product.
4. Disposal of the product at the end of its useful life.

Question 16

What is phytomining?

Answer 16

Using plants to extract copper from low grade ores.