1. Definitions:
- Renewable resource: A resource that can be replenished or replaced within a human lifespan or the span of its use, such as solar energy or wind energy.
- Non-renewable resource: A resource that is finite and cannot be quickly replaced or restored, such as fossil fuels or natural gas.
- Sustainable resource: A resource that is used in a way that does not deplete or harm the environment, economy, or society in the long term.
- Rock: A solid, naturally occurring substance composed of minerals.
- Mineral: A naturally occurring solid substance with a definite chemical composition and atomic structure.
- Ores: Rocks or minerals that contain economically valuable materials.
- Hardness: A measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching or abrasion.
- Texture: The physical appearance and arrangement of the particles or crystals in a rock or mineral.
- Crystal Shape: The geometric shape that a mineral's crystals form.
- Luster: The appearance or quality of light reflected from the surface of a mineral.
- Streak: The color of a mineral's powder when it is scraped across a porcelain plate.
- Cleavage: The tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes.
- Fracture: The way a mineral breaks when it does not display cleavage.
- Magnetism: The property of being attracted to magnets or producing a magnetic field.
- Specific Gravity: The density of a substance compared to the density of water.
- Metals: Elements that are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity.
- Malleability: The ability of a metal to be shaped or flattened without breaking.
- Conductivity: The ability of a material to conduct heat or electricity.
- Non-metals: Elements that are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity, and lack metallic properties.
- Metalloids: Elements that possess both metallic and non-metallic characteristics.
- Fossil fuels: Fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
- Fracking: The process of extracting oil or gas from shale rock formations by injecting high-pressure fluids.
- Acid Rain: Rainfall with an acidic pH, caused by pollutants in the air reacting with water vapor.
- Natural resources: Materials or substances occurring in nature that can be used for economic gain or for meeting societal needs.
- Humus: The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
- Conservation: The responsible use and preservation of resources to ensure their availability for future generations.
- Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.
- Drilling: The process of creating holes in the ground to access natural resources, such as oil or water.
- Mining: The extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth.
- Pollution: The presence or introduction of substances or contaminants into the environment that cause harm or disrupt the natural balance.
- Exhaustible resource: A resource that cannot be replenished or replaced once consumed.
2. Non-renewable resources differ from renewable resources in that they are finite and cannot be quickly replaced or restored. Non-renewable resources include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals like copper or gold. Renewable resources, on the other hand, can be replenished or replaced within a human lifespan or the span of its use. Examples of renewable resources include solar energy, wind energy, and biomass.
However, both non-renewable and renewable resources are similar in that they are both natural resources with the potential for human use and exploitation. Both types of resources have inherent value and can be utilized for economic gain or for meeting societal needs.
3. Rocks are composed of minerals, but they are not the same thing. A rock is a naturally occurring solid substance that is composed of one or more minerals or mineraloids. Rocks can also contain organic matter and other materials. Minerals, on the other hand, are naturally occurring solid substances with a definite chemical composition and atomic structure. They are the building blocks of rocks, and rocks are aggregates or combinations of minerals.
4. Pros of using fossil fuels:
- Fossil fuels are currently abundant and relatively easy to extract and use for energy production.
- Fossil fuel technologies are well-established and widely available, making them accessible for energy generation.
Cons of using fossil fuels:
- Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and the release of greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and various health issues.
- Fossil fuel extraction can lead to environmental damage, such as habitat destruction and water pollution.
5. Examples of natural resources include water, air, soil, forests, minerals, oil, natural gas, sunlight, wind, and wildlife.
6. Minerals come from various geological processes, such as crystallization from molten rock (as in the case of igneous rocks) or the gradual deposition and accumulation of dissolved minerals from water (as in the case of sedimentary rocks). Minerals are used for a wide range of purposes, including in construction materials, manufacturing processes, technology (such as electronics and batteries), jewelry, and as sources of energy (such as uranium for nuclear power).
7. Acid rain has several negative effects on the environment, including:
- Damage to forests, lakes, and rivers: Acid rain can cause the acidification of soil, water bodies, and foliage, leading to the death of plant and animal life.
- Corrosion of buildings and infrastructure: The acidity in acid rain can corrode buildings, statues, and various infrastructure, leading to degradation and increased maintenance costs.
- Impact on human health: Acid rain can contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues for humans, especially if they are constantly exposed to high levels of air pollution.
It is important to note that the specific effects of acid rain vary depending on various factors such as the concentration of pollutants, the location, and the vulnerability of different ecosystems.
1. Define the following words:
● Renewable resource
● Non-renewable resource
● Sustainable resource
● Rock
● Mineral
● Ores
● Hardness
● Texture
● Crystal Shape
● Luster
● Streak
● Cleavage
● Fracture
● Magnetism
● Specific gravity
● Metals
● Malleability
● Conductivity
● Non-metals
● Metalloids
● Fossil fuels
● Fracking
● Acid Rain
● Natural resources
● Humus
● Conservation
● Recycling
● Drilling
● Mining
● Pollution
● Exhaustible resource
2. How are non-renewable resources different and similar to renewable resources?
3. How are rocks different from minerals?
4. What are two pros and two cons for using fossil fuels?
5. What are some examples of natural resources?
6. Where do minerals come from and what are they used for?
7. What are the effects on acid rain on the environment?
1 answer