Grade 12 Chemistry - Module 5: Natural Resources and Chemical Industries

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to natural resources and chemical industries, particularly in the context of Papua New Guinea as outlined in Grade 12 Chemistry Module 5.

Biodegradable

Capable of being broken down (decomposed) rapidly by the action of microorganisms.

Biogas

Gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

Carbon Cycle

The process in which carbon is exchanged between all parts of Earth and its living organisms.

Crude Oil

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exists as a liquid in natural underground reservoirs.

Distillation

A purification process in which a substance is heated to its boiling point and the vapour is cooled to condense it back to liquid.

Environmental Pollution

The release of chemical waste that causes detrimental effects on the environment.

Fermentation

The breakdown of complex molecules to simpler ones through the action of microorganisms, such as yeast.

Fossil Fuels

Materials of biological origin occurring in the Earth's crust, which can be used as a source of energy.

Glycerine

A thick, sweet, colourless liquid used as a solvent, antifreeze, and in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics.

Greenhouse Effect

A natural process that warms the Earth by trapping the sun’s heat in the atmosphere.

Industrial Pollution

Pollution resulting from industrial activities that contaminates the environment.

Saponification

The process of making soap molecules from fats and oils reacted in basic conditions.

Biodiesel

A renewable fuel produced by chemically reacting vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol.

Polymerization

The process of combining smaller molecules (monomers) to form a larger molecule (polymer).

Tailing

Waste from the processing of minerals which can contain toxic chemicals.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms.