Why is it a problem that plastics are not biodegradable, when other materials like metals are also not biodegradable?(1 point)

Responses

Plastics have been chemically altered from natural resources and cannot be restored.
Plastics have been chemically altered from natural resources and cannot be restored.

Metals can at least be recycled and used more than once.
Metals can at least be recycled and used more than once.

Metals can be broken down by corrosion.
Metals can be broken down by corrosion.

Plastics are more of a problem because they float in water, but metals sink.

5 answers

Plastics have been chemically altered from natural resources and cannot be restored, while metals can at least be recycled and used more than once. This means that plastics create a larger environmental burden as they accumulate in landfills and oceans without being broken down naturally. Additionally, plastics have a higher likelihood of entering water bodies and causing harm to marine life, as they float in water while metals sink.
In one to two sentences, explain a similarity and a difference between the particles in liquid water at 100ºC and the particles in steam at 100ºC.
A similarity between the particles in liquid water at 100ºC and steam at 100ºC is that both consist of H2O molecules. However, the difference is that in liquid water, the molecules are closer together and have less energy, while in steam, the molecules are spaced further apart and have higher kinetic energy.
You overhear a friend saying, “Plastic is the worst thing that humans have ever invented.”

In four to five sentences, explain whether you agree or disagree with your friend’s statement. Be sure to include facts that show the range of impacts that plastic has on human society and the environment.
I partially agree with my friend's statement that plastic has had significant negative impacts on human society and the environment. On one hand, plastic has provided numerous benefits as a versatile and lightweight material, used in various industries, such as packaging and transportation. However, its widespread usage and improper disposal have resulted in detrimental effects. Plastic pollution is a major issue, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans each year. This pollution harms wildlife, marine ecosystems, and poses risks to human health through microplastics ingestion. Moreover, plastic production consumes large amounts of fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, innovation in sustainable alternatives and increased efforts in recycling and waste management can help mitigate these negative impacts.