U4L8 Metals and Minerals in Smart Devices I Flashcards
What is the definition of rare-earth elements?
A group of metallic elements in the lanthanide series that are difficult and dangerous to extract
How many different elements are in smart phones ?
75
What part does lithium play in smartphones?
It is one of the main primary components of recharge lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones.
Why are lithium ion batteries not safe?
Lithium ion batteries have caused numerous fires and explosions when they’ve been mishandled or damaged
What are lithium-ion batteries made up of?
an anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte, and two current collectors, one positive and one negative
Where is the lithium located in the battery?
In the anode and the cathode
How does the lithium ion battery work?
The electrolyte carries positively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode. This movement of ions produces free electrons in the anode, which in turn creates a charge at the positive current collector. From there, the electrical current flows into the smartphone (or other device) and through the circuits to the negative current collector.
What role does cobalt play in smartphones?
Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries
What are most lithium-ion batteries made up of?
Most lithium-ion batteries are based on a mixture of lithium and cobalt such as lithium cobalt oxide or lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.
Other than inside batteries, where can cobalt be found?
- paint
- jet engines
- and other products (so specific, I know)
How many grams of cobalt do smartphones have?
Around 8.5 grams (0.3 ounces)
How many grams of cobalt does smartphones have, in pennies?
3 pennies
How many kilograms of cobalt does an electric car have?
6.8 kilograms (15 pounds)
How many kilograms of cobalt does an electric car have, in milk gallons?
2 gallons of milk
Silicon is the ______ most abundant element in Earth’s crust?
second
What type of element is silicon?
Non-metallic
How is silicon found in nature?
Pure
Where is silicon found in?
Silica (silicon dioxide)
Silicon is a main component of quartz crystals.
Was gonna make this true or false but then I got lazy
In electronics, what is silicon is used make?
- computer chips
- transistors
- silicon diodes
Why is silicon used to make electronic circuits and switching devices?
It is a semiconductor
What is a semiconductor?
A crystal material that is more able to conduct electricity as its temperature goes up.
What can silicon chips do?
They can be half inch squares yet contain millions of transistors providing control and memory functions