In this final chemistry topic you will learn that metals have many properties but some are prone to corrosion. Metals are made into alloys to improve their properties. Ceramics, polymers and composites all have desirable properties that allows them specific uses. Fertilisers contain elements which are essential for the healthy growth of crops. Fertilisers can be made in the laboratory and on a larger scale by the chemical industry.

Specification link:

All of 4.10.3

Task 1b: Listen to the podcast for an overview of this topic:

Task 2b Make notes that:

• Define:

  • Corrosion

  • Rusting

  • Hydrated

• Give the word and balanced symbol equations for rusting

• Describe the conditions required for rusting

• List ways of preventing rusting

• Define sacrificial protection and give examples

Task 3c: Make notes that:

• Define an alloy

• Explain why alloys are made

Task 3e: Answer the exam questions and self mark.

Task 4c: Make notes that:

• Define monomers and polymers

• List factors that can determine the properties of polymers

Task 4e: Complete the exam questions and self mark

Task 5c: Make notes that:

• Describe what soda-lime glass is made from and how it is made

• Give the properties of soda-lime glass

• Describe what borosilicate glass is made from

• Give the properties of borosilicate glass

• Describe how clay ceramics are made

• Describe the properties of clay ceramics

• Define composites and describe what they are made up of

• Give examples of different composites

Task 6c: Make notes that:

• Explain why we need to make ammonia

• Describe where the raw materials come from (nitrogen and hydrogen)

• Give the word and symbol equation for the Haber process

• Explain the favourable conditions to increase the yield of ammonia

• Give the conditions that are actually used for the Haber process and explain why this is a compromise

Task 7c: Make notes that:

• Define NPK fertilisers and explain why they are needed

• Write word and symbol equations for these reactions:

  • Ammonia + Phosphoric acid

  • Ammonia + Nitric Acid

  • Ammonia + Sulphuric Acid

• Describe how ammonium sulfate could be produced in the lab

• Describe where the raw materials come from (phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen)

Task 8d: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic and add it to your revision folder. Use the specification to help you.

Specification link:

All of 4.10.3

Complete the quiz to make sure you understand this unit.