Materials Economy Quiz

What is the term used to describe the system through which stuff moves from extraction to disposal?

• Materials economy

• Linear system

• Finite planet

• Real world

Answer explanation

The term used to describe the system through which stuff moves from extraction to disposal is 'Materials economy'. This system encompasses the entire life cycle of products, from raw material extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and ultimately, disposal. The other options, Linear system, Finite planet, and Real world, do not accurately describe this specific process.

What is one of the most important things missing from the explanation of the materials economy?

• Animals

• Environment

• People

• Societies

Answer explanation

One of the most important things missing from the explanation of the materials economy is people. This is because the materials economy often focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods, but tends to overlook the human aspect, such as labor conditions, social impacts, and the well-being of individuals involved in the process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Which symbol is used to represent the government in the diagram?

• A tank

• A person

• A corporation

• A factory

Answer explanation

In the diagram, the government is represented by a person symbol. This is because a person is often used to symbolize authority and decision-making power, which are key aspects of a government's role. The other options, such as a tank, corporation, or factory, do not accurately represent the government's function in the diagram.

What percentage of the world's resources does the United States consume?

• 5%

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

Answer explanation

The United States consumes a significant portion of the world's resources, with an estimated 30% of total consumption. This high percentage is due to factors such as the country's large population, high standard of living, and extensive industrial and technological infrastructure. As a result, the U.S. has a major impact on global resource use and environmental sustainability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is the term used to describe the process of natural resource exploitation?

• Distribution

• Consumption

• Extraction

• Production

Answer explanation

The term used to describe the process of natural resource exploitation is 'Extraction.' Extraction refers to the process of obtaining resources from the Earth, such as minerals, ores, and fossil fuels. This is different from distribution, consumption, and production, which are related to the allocation, usage, and creation of goods and services, respectively.

What is the consequence of using too much stuff and consuming more than our share?

• Running out of resources

• Creating waste

• Undermining the planet's ability to sustain life

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The consequence of using too much stuff and consuming more than our share includes running out of resources, creating waste, and undermining the planet's ability to sustain life. All of these factors contribute to environmental degradation and threaten the well-being of future generations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is the primary identity of individuals in consumer-driven societies?

• Mothers

• Teachers

• Farmers

• Consumers

Answer explanation

In consumer-driven societies, the primary identity of individuals is as consumers. This is because these societies are characterized by a strong emphasis on consumption and materialism, with individuals often defining themselves by what they buy and own. The other options, such as mothers, teachers, and farmers, are specific roles that individuals may hold, but they do not represent the primary identity in consumer-driven societies.

What is one of the strategies used to encourage consumption?

• Planned obsolescence

• Perceived obsolescence

• Both A and B

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Both planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence are strategies used to encourage consumption. Planned obsolescence refers to designing products with a limited lifespan, causing consumers to replace them more frequently. Perceived obsolescence involves creating a perception that a product is outdated, even if it still functions well, leading consumers to purchase newer versions.

What is the term used to describe the intentional design of products to be useless quickly?

• Planned obsolescence

• Perceived obsolescence

• Externalization

• Consumerism

Answer explanation

Planned obsolescence is the correct term as it refers to the intentional design of products to become obsolete or non-functional after a certain period. This strategy encourages consumers to purchase new products more frequently. The other options, perceived obsolescence, externalization, and consumerism, do not specifically describe this practice.

What is the consequence of putting toxics into industrial production systems?

• Increased health risks

• Environmental pollution

• Contaminated products

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The consequence of putting toxics into industrial production systems is all of the above. This means that it leads to increased health risks, environmental pollution, and contaminated products. Toxics can harm human health, pollute the environment, and compromise the quality of products produced.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3