Mining and Resources Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to mining, minerals, and experimental variables.

What does the term 'Diminishing Returns' refer to in mining?

Each extra foot dug gives less valuable material.

What is an 'Alloy'?

Two metals melted together to make a stronger one.

What is Arsenic?

A poisonous element; scientists wear gloves around it.

What is Underground Mining?

Digging deep tunnels to reach minerals.

What does Sulfur smell like when heated?

It smells bad.

What is a Renewable Resource?

A resource that comes back quickly, such as wind.

What is a Non-renewable Resource?

A resource that takes millions of years to form, like coal.

What metal is used in batteries?

Cobalt.

What is Cobaltite?

A mineral that contains cobalt.

Define 'Rock' in geological terms.

A mix of many minerals.

What is a 'Mineral'?

A pure natural substance with its own crystal shape.

What are Placer Deposits?

Gold that gathers in riverbeds over time.

What is Overburden in mining?

Top layer of dirt/rock removed before mining.

What is an Open Pit Mine?

A huge hole dug from the surface.

What are Strategic Metals?

Important metals protected for technology needs.

What is Gangue?

Worthless rock mixed with valuable ore.

Define 'Ore'.

A rock with enough valuable mineral to make money.

What is a Vein in mining terms?

A streak of pure mineral inside rock.

What is Smelting?

Heating ore to separate the metal.

What is an Independent Variable in an experiment?

What you change on purpose.

What is a Dependent Variable in an experiment?

What you measure after the change.