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
