Chemistry A-Level
recycling
What recycling means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of recycling
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain recycling in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Conserves crude oil and uses less energy than making new polymer, but the waste has to be collected, sorted by type and cleaned, and each reprocessing shortens the chains so the quality falls.
Topics that use recycling
- Biodegradability and disposal of polymers (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- biodegradability
- hydrolysis of links
- incineration and energy recovery
- landfill
- toxic combustion products
- nucleophilic attack
Using recycling in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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