c14 - earth's resources

Question 1

give an alterantive sythetic product for wool

Answer 1

acrylic fibre, polypropene

Question 1

give an alterantive sythetic product for cotton

Answer 1

polyester, nylon

Question 2

give an alterantive sythetic product for rubber

Answer 2

synthetic polymer

Question 3

give an alterantive sythetic product for wood

Answer 3

PVC, composite

Question 4

define finite

Answer 4

being used up at a faster rate than they can be replaces

Question 5

define renewable

Answer 5

being replaced at same rate at which used up

Question 6

how are natural resources used to make new products?

Answer 6

• crude oil to make polymers and petrochemicals
• limestone to make cement and concrete

Question 7

define sustainability

Answer 7

developments that meets the needs of society now, without endangering the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Question 8

define potable water

Answer 8

• drinking water
• contains dissolved substances

Question 9

how can you test for pure water?

Answer 9

• measure boiling points

Question 10

how does reverse osmosis work?

Answer 10

removes salt and purifies water by using membranes to separate the water from the salts dissolved in it

Question 11

what is sewage?

Answer 11

waste water from homes, businesses and industry

Question 12

what is the process for sewage treatment?

Answer 12

1) screening
2) primary sedimentation
3) secondary biological treatment (effluent)
4) secondary sedimentation
5) disinfection

Question 13

what happens during screening?

Answer 13

removes large solids that won’t otherwise break down

Question 14

what happens during primary sedimentation?

Answer 14

settling of particulates to make sludge

Question 15

what is sludge used for?

Answer 15

• fertiliser
• biogas
• generates electricity
• bi-product of the sewage treatment process

Question 16

what happens during secondary ‘biological’ treatment?

Answer 16

• useful bacteria feeds on remaining organic matter and harmful microorganisms (added to sludge)
• these are broken down in the presence of oxygen (aerobically)
• becomes effluent

Question 17

how can water be disinfected/ sterilised?

Answer 17

chlorine, ozone, UV light

Question 18

how is copper produced from copper rich ores?

Answer 18

smelting
- causes environmental polluction
- expensive
- uses huge amounts of energy

Question 19

how is copper produced from copper poor ores?

Answer 19

• bioleaching
• phytomining

Question 20

define the process of phytomining

Answer 20

• plants are grown on soil and absorb copper ions
• plants are then burned and copper is extracted from the ash

Question 21

define the process of bioleaching

Answer 21

• bacteria produces leachate solution
• scrap iron is added to leachate to displace it

Question 22

why is it less preferred to use electrolysis?

Answer 22

• high amount of energy needed
• more expensive

Question 23

state the 5 main stages of an LCA

Answer 23

1) Extraction
2) Manufacture
3) Distribution
4) Use/management
5) Recycling/disposal

Question 24

why should an LCA be peer reviewed?

Answer 24

• check data and validity of conclusions drawn
• especially important if results are used in marketing

Question 25

what is the aim of ‘reduce reuse and recycle’?

Answer 25

• reduce energy
• reduce landfill
• reduce mining

Question 26

what is a main downside of recycling?

Answer 26

requires energy so it is preferrable to reuse as well

Question 27

how is iron ore conserved?

Answer 27

steel scrap is added to blast furnace

Question 28

how is metal recycled?

Answer 28

melting

Question 29

why is it important to recycle metals?

Answer 29

processes to extract metals are harsh on environment e.g cause acid rain, global warming