What’s a smartphone made of? - Kim Preshoff

What is a major sustainability concern related to smartphone production?

• Greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing

• Conflict minerals sourced unethically from mines

• Toxic e-waste from discarded smartphones

• All of the above

Answer explanation

As the video indicates, there are multiple sustainability concerns when it comes to smartphones, including emissions from energy-intensive production, issues around unethically sourced minerals, and the growing problem of toxic e-waste as phones are discarded. Addressing sustainability requires looking at the full product lifecycle.

What raw material makes up most of a smartphone?

• Aluminium

• Glass

• Plastic

• Gold

Answer explanation

The video states that most of a smartphone is made of plastic. While other materials like glass and metals are used, plastic makes up the most raw material by weight.

What rare earth element is used in a smartphone?

• Lithium

• Tantalum

• Cobalt

• Neodymium

Answer explanation

The video specifies that the rare earth element neodymium is used in smartphones for its magnetic properties. It is used in speakers, motors, etc.

Where does the cobalt in smartphones likely come from?

• Mines in Asia

• Mines in Africa

• Mines in South America

• Mines in Australia

Answer explanation

The video states that cobalt likely comes from mines in Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What component of a smartphone contains tin?

• Circuit board

• Screen

• Speakers

• Camera lens

Answer explanation

Tin can be found on the circuit board of smartphones as a solder material and plating for contacts.

Where are many smartphones assembled?

• United States

• Japan

• China

• Germany

Answer explanation

The video specifies that China is the major location where smartphone assembly takes place.

What material connects the chips inside a smartphone?

• Gold

• Aluminium

• Silver

• Copper

Answer explanation

Gold is used inside smartphones to connect integrated circuits and other components because it is highly conductive.

What powers the battery of a smartphone?

• Lithium

• Lead

• Zinc

• Nickel

Answer explanation

Lithium, often in the form of lithium-ion, is the key material used in the batteries that power smartphones.

What is phone glass often made from?

• Silicon dioxide

• Soda-lime glass

• Borosilicate glass

• Lead glass

Answer explanation

The glass used for smartphone screens is typically made from silicon dioxide, also known as silica. This provides strength and scratch resistance.

About what percentage of a smartphone is glass?

• 5%

• 15%

• 25%

• 50%

Answer explanation

The video cites that glass makes up around 15% of a smartphone's total weight. The majority is plastic.