GCSE Chemistry: using resources

Practice flashcards covering key concepts in GCSE Chemistry related to atomic structure and the periodic table.

Finite resource

A resource that will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels or metal ores.

Renewable resource

A resource that can be replaced at the same rate it is used, like timber or fresh water.

Sustainable development

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Potable water

Water that is safe to drink but not necessarily pure.

Desalination

The process of making seawater potable by removing salt through distillation or reverse osmosis.

Bioleaching

Using bacteria to produce solutions that contain metal compounds from low-grade ores.

Phytomining

Using plants to absorb metal compounds from the soil, later burned to produce ash containing metal compounds.

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

An analysis of the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle.

Corrosion

The destruction of materials by chemical reactions with the environment.

Rusting

The corrosion of iron in the presence of oxygen and water.

Alloy

A mixture of a metal with other elements to improve properties.

Ceramics

Non-metal solids with high melting points made by heating materials like clay.

Polymers

Large molecules made from monomers; properties depend on the monomers and conditions.

Composites

Materials made from two or more substances with different properties.