C2: Chemical Resources Flashcards
What is the lithosphere?
The crust and the upper part of the mantle
How can we use seismic waves to understand the structure of the Earth?
- S-waves can travel through the mantle, which shows that it’s solid. S-waves can only travel through solids - P-waves travel faster through the middle of the core, suggesting the inner core is solid - S-waves not detected in outer core’s shadow, suggesting it is liquid
Describe the evidence found that proves the continental drift theory.
- Mid atlantic ridge discovered - Evidence found of magma rising up from sea bed - Creatures with same genetic history found on multiple continents.
Explain how two plates can collide and cause a volcanic eruption.
Crust on the ocean floor is denser than the crust beneath the continents. The dense oceanic plate is subducted underneath the less dense continental plate. These regions are generally cooler and therefore more dense so they sink very easily. As the oceanic plate is forced down it melts and the molten rock starts to rise.
What are igneous rocks?
They are rocks made when any sort of molten rock cools down and solidifies.
Explain how the rate of cooling affects the crystallisation of igneous rocks.
If the molten rock cools over a long period of time, the crystals on the igneous rocks will be larger and more defined - this is because the interlocking crystal structure will have had longer to form. On the other hand, fast cooling molten rock will generally become igneous rock with smaller crystals.
What igneous rock is produced from runny lava from fairly safe eruptions?
Iron rich basalt
What igneous rock is produced from thick viscous lava from explosive eruptions?
Silica rich rhyolite
Explain the formation of sedimentary rock.
- Layers of sediment are deposited in lakes or seas 2. Over millions of years these layers are buried under the weight of more layers of material 3. This weight squeezes the water from inside the sedimentary layers 4. Fluids flowing through the pores deposit natural mineral cement.
What is the symbol equation for the thermal decomposition of limestone?
CaCO3–>CaO+CO2
Explain the formation of metamorphic rocks.
- Formed from the action of heat and pressure on other rocks over long periods of time. 2. As long as rocks don’t melt they are considered metamorphic
Give an example of metamorphic rock and explain it’s properties.
Marble: - Just another form of calcium carbonate - Heat and pressure break down the limestone and it reforms as small crystals - As a result, the marble is much harder
Name an igneous rock and explain it’s properties.
Granite: - Various minerals randomly arranged in a structure of interlocking crystals - As a result granite is very hard
How is glass made?
Limestone is heated up with sand (silicone dioxide) and soda (sodium carbonate) until it melts. When the mixture cools, it comes out as glass.
How does clay form?
It forms from weathered and decomposed rocks.
How do we make bricks?
Bricks are hardened from forms of clay. We put clay under very high temperatures, hardening them - as a result, bricks can withstand lots of weight (great for stacking).
How do we make cement?
- Limestone and clay are heated together - Water slowly reacts with cement making it harden gradually
Why is reinforced concrete stronger than ordinary concrete?
Steal rods are inserted into the concrete combining the hardness of the concrete with the strength (tensile strength) and flexibility of steal.
What is a composite material?
A combination of two materials.
Explain how electrolysis is used to purify copper.
- An impure positive anode and a pure negative cathode
- In a solution (the electrolyte) of copper (II) sulfate, containing lots of Cu2+ ions
- Electrons pulled of from the copper atoms at the anode, leaving positive Cu2+ copper ions in the solution
- These positive ions are attracted to the negative cathode. They offer their electrons to the cathode, turning the Cu2+ ions back into copper atoms that are then deposited at the cathode.
- Impurities are dropped at the anode as sludge.
What process happens at the cathode and what is the ionic half equation?
- Reduction (gain of electrons):
Cu2++2e-–> Cu