Earths Resources

Question 1

Definition of a resource?

Answer 1

A source or supply which provides a purpose from which a benefit is produced.

Question 2

Why is recycling of food waste important?

Answer 2

You reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the air.
Also, leftover food can be converted into fertilisers for agriculture.

Question 3

How is natural gas / oil formed?

Answer 3

Dead plants and animals are exposed to intense heat and pressure over millions of years on the ocean floor.

Question 4

State 3 of the main uses of fossil fuels?

Answer 4

Electricity
Heating
Transportation

Question 5

Name 2 derivations of crude oil and their uses?

Answer 5

1. Gasoline - fuelling cars

2. Lubricating oil - used for lubricating engines.

Question 6

Explain how plastic is made from oil?

Answer 6

Oil is refined into ethane and propane.
It’s then heated, cracked and combined to make polymers.
Polymers are then fed through a long narrow tube and allowed to cool
Then the tube is cut into pellets and moulded into different shapes.

Question 7

Advantages and Disadvantages of biofuels (renewable energy source).

Answer 7

Advantages

1. produces less carbon emissions - cleaner environment
2. unit price for biofuels is lower than conventional everyday fuel prices.

Disadvantages

1. uses a lot of land which can be used for food
2. bioethanol can’t be used without modifying engines

Question 8

Advantages and Disadvantages of nuclear power (non renewable energy source)

Answer 8

Advantages

1. very clean energy - enriomentaly friendly
2. carbon free - not a big release of carbon into the air

Disadvantages

1. a lot of waste products come from it
2. high upfront cost

Question 9

How is coal formed?

Answer 9

Dead animals and plants decay into peat - overtime, heat and pressure turn the peat into coal.

Question 10

Describe what is meant by the natural greenhouse effect and why is it important?

Answer 10

The gases in the ozone layer that absorb harmful UV rays from the sun. The other gases (methane, co2) retain some of the heat from the suns rays, and the rest is sent back into space. This means the earth is a safe temperature.

Question 11

Name 2 greenhouse gases?

Answer 11

co2, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide.

Question 12

Why has human impact activity led to climate change?

Answer 12

Its led to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, meaning more heat is trapped and cannot escape to space. This has led to earths temperatures increasing.

Question 13

Give an example of a type of human activity which has contributed to climate change?

Answer 13

agriculture, fossil fuels, human population growth.

Question 14

Name the stages of the carbon cycle?

Answer 14

1. Atmosphere
2. Plant respiration
3. Organic carbon in living things
4. Animal respiration
5. Photosynthesis
6. Combustion
7. Dissolving of co2
8. Decomposition
9. Fossil Fuels
10. Feeding