Using Resources Flashcards
Alloy
A metal compound made by combining two or more metals together. This process is carried out to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.
Bioleaching
Bioleaching uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compunds.
Borosilicate Glass
Glass made from sand and boron trioxide. It melts at higher temperatures than soda-lime glass.
Composite
Most composites are made of two material, a matrix or binder surrounding and binding together fibres or fragments of the other material, which is called reinforcement.
Corrosion
Corrosion is the destruction of materials by chemical reactions with substances in the environment e.g. rusting.
Desalination
The process of removing salt from seawater.
Displacement
A chemical reaction in which more reactive elements displace less reactive elements from compounds.
Electrolysis
The splitting of a compound using electricity. The electric current is passed through a substance causing chemical reactions at the electrodes and the decomposition of the materials.
Finite Resources
A non-renewable resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption.
Galvanise
A process used to protect against corrosion by coating the metal with a protective layer of zinc.
Ground Water
Water held underground in the soil and crevices in rock.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Life cycle assessments are carried out to assess the environmental impact of products in each of these stages: extracting and processing raw materials, manufacturing and packaging, use and operation during lifetime, disposal at the end of its useful lifetime.
NPK Fertilisers
Fertilisers which contain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilisers improve agricultural productivity.
Ore
A rock from which metals can be extracted.
Phytomining
Phytomining uses plants to absorb metal compounds from the soil. The plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains the metal compound.
Potable Water
Water that is safe to drink.
Raw Materials
The basic material from which a product is made.
Renewable Resources
A natural resource which can be used repeatedly and will not run out due to being naturally replenished.
Sacrificial Protection
The protection of iron or steel against corrosion by using a more reactive metal. Zinc is often used as a sacrificial metal.
Soda-lime Glass
Glass made by heating a mixture of sand, sodium carbonate, and limestone.
Sterilisation
The process used to remove bacteria or living microorganisms from something. Used in the treatment of water.
Sustainable Development
Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The Haber Process
The process used to manufacture ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen gas.
Thermosetting Polymers
Polymers which do not melt when heated.
