HMH ESS 3.2.2

What chemical property of rare earth elements makes them critical and strategic minerals essential for modern technology?

• Rare earth elements are very hard.

• Rare earth elements react very easily with other elements.

• Rare earth elements are listed within group 2 of the periodic table.

• Rare earth elements are non-reactive metals.

Which of these rare earth elements is NOT used as a magnet?

• neodymium

• dysprosium

• praseodymium

• uranium

Which of these rare earth elements are used in computer monitors and smart phone screens?

• europium

• terbium

• helium

• yttrium

Steel is an alloy of iron and other elements such as _____________, carbon, and chromium.

Why are most cars made from steel and not aluminum?

Place each of these properties into the correct category.

Groups:

(a) Aluminum

,

(b) Steel

• is a native element

• resists impacts better

• less expensive

• heavier

• lighter

• is an alloy

Select all the reasons why more and more people are choosing to buy hybrid cars over traditional cars.

• Buying hybrid saves money on gas and helps protect the environment.

• Hybrid cars run on an electric motor as well as a gas engine, so they use less gasoline and emit less hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.

• Less REEs are required in the manufacturing of hybrid cars than in the manufacturing of traditional vehicles.

• Hybrid cars do not use gasoline.

Match the property of materials used to build an airplane with its most likely function.

• resist cracking

• flexible

• perform in high altitude

• lightweight

• resist buckling from air pressure

• resistant to extreme temperatures

• require less fuel

• strong

Imagine that you are an automotive designer who wants to design vehicles to be lightweight. Explain to your manager the benefits of a lightweight design for your company and its customers.

How is gold used in the medical field? (select all that apply)

• life-support devices

• pacemakers

• heart stents

• colonoscopy cameras

• dental drills