Year 11 ‘Chemistry’: ‘The Earth’s Resources’

Introduction to Earth’s Resources

The Earth is full of resources that we use every day. These resources can be natural or man-made. Understanding these resources is important because they help us live, work, and enjoy our lives.

What Are Natural Resources?

Natural resources are materials we find in nature. They include:

• Water: Essential for drinking, farming, and energy.
• Minerals: Such as iron, copper, and gold, used to make products.
• Fossil Fuels: Like coal, oil, and natural gas, used for energy.
• Forests: Provide wood, paper, and habitats for wildlife.
• Soil: Vital for growing crops.

What Are Man-Made Resources?

Man-made resources are materials created by humans using natural resources. For example:

• Plastic: Made from oil.
• Concrete: Made from sand, cement, and gravel.
• Electricity: Generated from various sources like solar, wind, or coal.

Why Are Earth’s Resources Important?

Earth’s resources are crucial for:

• Survival: We need water and food.
• Industry: Many products, like cars and computers, rely on minerals and fossil fuels.
• Energy: We need energy to power our homes and transport.

Key Rules for Understanding Earth’s Resources

1. Renewable vs. Non-Renewable:
   • Renewable resources: Can be replaced naturally (like trees and sunlight).
   • Non-renewable resources: Take millions of years to form (like fossil fuels).
2. Sustainable Use: We should use resources wisely to ensure they last for future generations.
3. Recycling: Helps conserve resources by turning old products into new ones.

Tips and Tricks

• Visual Aids: Use charts to compare renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Real-Life Examples: Discuss local resources in your area (like rivers for water or parks for trees).
• Group Discussions: Talk about ways to use resources more sustainably.

Questions about Earth’s Resources

Easy Level Questions

1. What is a natural resource?
2. Name two examples of minerals.
3. What do we use water for?
4. What is a renewable resource?
5. Give an example of a man-made resource.
6. Why is soil important?
7. What is coal used for?
8. What do forests provide?
9. Name a non-renewable resource.
10. What is recycling?
11. Can trees be replaced? Why?
12. What do we get from the ocean?
13. Name a use for plastic.
14. What is natural gas used for?
15. Why do we need energy?
16. How do we obtain electricity?
17. What is a habitat?
18. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable?
19. Why is it important to conserve resources?
20. How can we help the environment?

Medium Level Questions

1. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
2. Why is water considered a critical resource?
3. Describe how fossil fuels are formed.
4. What are the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels?
5. How do forests contribute to the ecosystem?
6. Discuss the importance of recycling.
7. How can we make better use of resources in our daily lives?
8. What role do minerals play in technology?
9. Explain how solar energy is a renewable resource.
10. What is meant by sustainable development?
11. Identify two ways humans can harm natural resources.
12. Why is it important to protect wildlife habitats?
13. Describe how overfishing affects ocean resources.
14. What are the benefits of using wind energy?
15. How can agriculture affect soil quality?
16. Discuss the importance of clean water sources.
17. How do humans impact the carbon cycle?
18. What is deforestation, and why is it a problem?
19. What can governments do to promote sustainable resource use?
20. How do changes in climate affect natural resources?

Hard Level Questions

1. Discuss the long-term effects of depleting non-renewable resources.
2. Explain how human activities can lead to soil degradation.
3. What is the significance of biodiversity in natural resource management?
4. How do we measure the sustainability of a resource?
5. Discuss the role of technology in conserving resources.
6. What are the challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources?
7. Explain the concept of ecological footprints.
8. How does pollution affect natural resources?
9. What are some global initiatives aimed at conserving resources?
10. Discuss the interdependence of different natural resources.
11. How does climate change influence water availability?
12. What are the economic impacts of resource scarcity?
13. Explain the concept of a circular economy.
14. How can education help in sustainable resource management?
15. Discuss the challenges of urbanization on natural resources.
16. What are the implications of resource exploitation on indigenous communities?
17. How does resource management vary between developed and developing countries?
18. What role does legislation play in resource conservation?
19. How can international cooperation help manage shared resources like oceans and rivers?
20. Discuss the role of scientists in understanding and managing Earth’s resources.

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. A natural resource is something we find in nature that we use.
2. Examples include iron and gold.
3. We use water for drinking, farming, and making energy.
4. A renewable resource can be replaced naturally.
5. Plastic is a man-made resource.
6. Soil is important for growing food.
7. Coal is used for energy.
8. Forests provide wood and homes for animals.
9. An example of a non-renewable resource is oil.
10. Recycling is turning old products into new ones.
11. Yes, trees can be replaced through planting.
12. We get fish and water from the ocean.
13. Plastic can be used for making containers.
14. Natural gas is used for heating.
15. We need energy to power our homes and appliances.
16. We obtain electricity from various sources like solar and wind.
17. A habitat is a place where animals and plants live.
18. Renewable resources can be replaced; non-renewable cannot.
19. Conserving resources helps future generations.
20. We can help the environment by recycling and saving energy.

Medium Level Answers

1. Renewable resources can be replaced naturally, while non-renewable resources cannot.
2. Water is critical because all living things need it to survive.
3. Fossil fuels are formed from dead plants and animals over millions of years.
4. Using fossil fuels can lead to pollution and climate change.
5. Forests provide oxygen, homes for wildlife, and materials for humans.
6. Recycling reduces waste and saves resources.
7. We can use less plastic and save energy.
8. Minerals are used in electronics and construction.
9. Solar energy comes from the sun and can be used for electricity.
10. Sustainable development meets our needs without harming future generations.
11. Pollution and overuse can harm resources.
12. Protecting habitats keeps wildlife safe and maintains ecosystems.
13. Overfishing can reduce fish populations and harm the ocean ecosystem.
14. Wind energy is clean and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
15. Agriculture can deplete nutrients from the soil.
16. Clean water is vital for health and ecosystems.
17. Human activities can increase greenhouse gases, impacting the carbon cycle.
18. Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity and affects climate.
19. Governments can create laws to protect resources.
20. Climate change can lead to droughts and floods, affecting water supply.

Hard Level Answers

1. Depleting non-renewable resources can lead to energy shortages and economic issues.
2. Soil degradation can reduce agricultural productivity and lead to desertification.
3. Biodiversity helps maintain ecosystem health and resilience.
4. Sustainability is measured by how much a resource can be used without being depleted.
5. Technology can improve efficiency and develop alternatives to scarce resources.
6. Challenges include costs, infrastructure, and public acceptance.
7. An ecological footprint measures the impact of human activities on resources.
8. Pollution contaminates water and soil, harming plants and animals.
9. Global initiatives include the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
10. Resources like water, minerals, and forests rely on each other for balance.
11. Climate change can alter rainfall patterns and reduce water availability.
12. Resource scarcity can increase prices and lead to competition among countries.
13. A circular economy aims to keep resources in use and minimize waste.
14. Education raises awareness and promotes sustainable practices.
15. Urbanization can lead to overuse of local resources and pollution.
16. Resource exploitation can destroy traditional ways of life for indigenous peoples.
17. Developed countries often use more resources, leading to greater scarcity in developing ones.
18. Legislation can enforce protection measures for natural resources.
19. International cooperation is crucial for managing resources that cross borders.
20. Scientists study ecosystems to find ways to conserve and manage resources effectively.