Test Your Knowledge on comparing production of metals with recycling of metals
Have you just done a science lesson comparing the environmental impact of the production of metals with the recycling of metals? Complete this assessment quiz to test your knowledge!
What is a Circular Economy?
All of these describe a Circular Economy.
From Wikpedia: A circular economy (often referred to simply as "circularity") is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.
A way of keeping resources within our current system
A substitute for our current linear economy
We should reuse, recycle and regenerate stuff before we discard them
All of the above
What is a Carbon Footprint?
Officially: A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest.
A way of declaring a climate emergency
The footprint left by someone covered in soot
A measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during a process which can be compared with other processes or items
A way of measuring climate change
What is the name given to an analysis of a product's entire environmental impact over the course of its entire production up until its disposal?
Life cycle analysis is an investigation into the environmental impacts of the process of creating something right from the start, where the raw materials of the product are mined from the ground through to its disposal – this is called cradle to grave.
Global warming
Sustainability
Circular Economy
Life Cycle Analysis
Which sector had the highest emissions of greenhouse gases in 2016?
Globally the emissions were highest in the Energy sector (including energy use in industry) with 73.2% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
Farming
Energy
Waste
Industry
What proportion of the global emissions of greenhouse gases did the iron and steel indutries contribute in 2016?
The iron and steel industry contributed to 7.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
7.2%
95%
21.3%
0.05%
What is the main method of transporting bauxite or aluminium oxide from where it is made to where it is processed?
Most bauxite and aluminium oxide is transported around the world in huge container ships.
Car
Ship
Plane
Bus
In terms of tons per mile which is the least polluting way of transporting heavy materials around the world?
Sea freight is best for heavy goods.
Train
Air freight
Car
Sea freight
Which process (of steel & aluminium processing and recycling) is least polluting and most cost effective?
Aluminium Recycling is cost effective and least polluting as it is the more valuable material and travels the furthest when made from bauxite ore. The process of making aluminium from scratch requires a huge amount of energy as the solution must be heated to well over 750°C so that the molten aluminium can be removed. But steel requires temperatures of around 1200°C, so requires more energy. It is also less valuable, so less cost effective to recycle compared to aluminium.
Recycling Aluminium
Recycling Steel
Making Aluminium from scratch
Making Steel from scratch
What process do you think is better than mining aluminium from the ground and then extracting the aluminium through electrolysis?
Recycling uses much less energy as the bauxite does not have to be mined and processed. It emits far less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and so is contributing less to climate change. It also encourages resource efficiency and the circular economy, meaning we are being more sustainable if we recycle.
Recycling aluminium at the end of its life
Launching old aluminium into space
Burying cans underground so eventually they turn to rock again
Just keep mining it - what's the problem!?
Has this lesson made you aware of the energy cost and climate change implications of aluminium and steel production?
No
Yes
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Bad Luck!
You didn't do well this time.
Try again after reading a bit more about aluminium production...
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Awesome! You have learnt lots!
Well done on a great score!
You definitely have some understanding of aluminium production. Maybe you could aim for even more correct answers next time!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
Whoa! You are a true iron expert!
That's a great score!
You have excellent knowledge of all the facts! People learn from you, but don't forget there is always room for improvement. Keep on learning and inspiring others. The world needs you!