Using resources
AQA GCSE Chemistry revision on Using resources. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 specification. This bank has 7 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 7)
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Question 1
A finite resource is one that...
- A) Will last forever
- B) Is limited - we use it faster than it forms
- C) Is renewable
- D) Costs nothing
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Answer: Is limited - we use it faster than it forms
Finite (non-renewable): fossil fuels, metals (Cu, Au), mineral resources. Renewable: biomass, solar, wind, water-based fuels. The world is increasingly looking for ways to extend finite resources: recycling, alternative materials, biotechnology (e.g. bacteria extracting copper from low-grade ores).
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Question 2
Hard water contains dissolved...
- A) Sugar
- B) Calcium and magnesium ions
- C) Hydrocarbons
- D) Oxygen
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Answer: Calcium and magnesium ions
Hard water comes from underground sources passing through limestone (calcium carbonate). Calcium ions dissolve. Effects: makes 'scum' with soap (less lather, more soap needed), 'limescale' in kettles + pipes. Health: actually good for you (calcium + magnesium). Solutions: water softeners (ion exchange) swap Ca2+ for Na+.
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Question 3
To make potable water, you need to...
- A) Filter + sterilise it
- B) Boil it for hours
- C) Freeze it
- D) Add sugar
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Answer: Filter + sterilise it
Standard treatment: (1) filter through sand + gravel (removes solids). (2) Sterilise (chlorine, ozone, or UV) kills microorganisms. UK uses chlorine; some countries use ozone. Test for: pH (~7), dissolved solids, microbe count. Desalination: turn seawater into drinking water - very energy intensive (distillation OR reverse osmosis).
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
4 more questions on Using resources — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Chemistry spec.