Uses of Natural Resources
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 10.1.7
Supplements to Natural Resources
The human population on Earth has increased rapidly in the last 100 years. This has forced us to find ways to supplement the Earth's natural resources:
Agriculture
- Agriculture is the main example of a supplement to natural resources.
- Natural food products (e.g. beef, maize, wheat etc.) are now available in much larger quantities because of the organisation of agriculture.
Synthetic products
- The development of useful synthetic products has reduced our reliance on natural products.
- E.g. Rubber in tyres has been gradually replaced by synthetic polymers.
Test yourself on Uses of Natural Resources
Why has it become necessary to find new ways to supplement the Earth's natural resources?
Why are natural food products such as beef, maize, and wheat now available in much larger quantities than before?
What has reduced our reliance on natural rubber in the production of tyres?
How do agriculture and synthetic products differ in the way they supplement the Earth's natural resources?
What does the phrase 'gradually replaced' suggest about the use of natural rubber in tyre production over time?