Chapter 23 Vocab

Question 1

Tantalum

Answer 1

a mineral found in columbite-tantalite or coltan, vital to modern day technology

Question 2

A rock

Answer 2

a solid aggregation of minerals

Question 3

mineral

Answer 3

a naturally occurring solid chemical element or inorganic compound with a crystal structure, a specific chemical composition, and distinct physical properties

Question 4

Mining

Answer 4

the systematic removal of rock, soil, or other material for the purpose of extracting minerals of economic interest

Question 5

A metal

Answer 5

a type of chemical element, or a mass of such an element, that typically is lustrous, opaque, malleable, and can conduct heat and electricity

Question 6

ore

Answer 6

a mineral or grouping of minerals from which we extract metals

Question 7

smelting

Answer 7

ore is heated beyond its melting point

and combined with other metals or chemicals

Question 8

tailings

Answer 8

portions of ore left over after metals have been extracted