earth's resources Flashcards
reactivity definition
the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction
displaces definition
a more reactive substance takes the place of a less reactive metal from its compound
combustion definition
a chemical reaction where a substance reacts quickly with oxygen and gives out light and heat - AKA burning
electrolysis definition
using electricity to split a compound into elements
extraction definition
separation of a metal from a metal compound
fossil fuels definition
a fuel made from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago e.g coal, oil, and natural gas
polymers definition
a molecule made by joining up thousands of smaller molecules in a repeating pattern which can be synthetic (e.g plastic) or natural (e.g starch)
natural polymers definition
a polymer made by plants or animals e.g wool, cotton, and rubber
synthetic polymers definition
a polymer made by people - often in a factory - e.g polyethane and polypropene
ceramic definition
a compound that is hard, strong, and has a high melting point
composite definition
composites are nade from two or more different materials and have improved properties for a particular use
minerals definition
naturally occurring metals and their compounds
ore definition
a naturally occurring rock from which a mineral/metal can be extracted
recycling definition
collecting and processing a material so that it can be used again
positives of recycling (3)
•resources will last longer
•reduces waste & pollution
•uses less energy than using newer materials
negatives of recycling (3)
•separating rubbish is extra work
•lorries that collect recycling will create pollution
•companies that recycle plastic have to separate different plastics by hand which takes a long time
