What Is in Smartphone Chemistry and Worksheet Answers

Clothilde Dupont - November 17, 2021 - Chemistry Worksheet

Smartphones are often used by us every day. What are the main ingredients for producing smartphones? Then, what is the impact on the Earth arising from the increasing use and production of smartphones in the world?

A smartphone is an object that is rarely separated from our hands every day. With these small high-tech objects, it is as if we feel the world is in our hands. However, have you ever thought, about what smartphones are made of?

Even though it is called a metal element that is not too rare, all efforts to find the types of metals used to manufacture smartphones have an impact on the Earth. This type of metal is usually found in areas with low concentrations, making it difficult to excavate.

Sometimes an open-pit mining method is required which is carried out over a large area of ​​land. This mining method can damage vast natural habitats.

Chemical Elements in Smartphones

Broadly speaking, today’s smartphones are made of several types of chemicals and metals. First of all, the type of metal in this world is divided into two. Namely, rare earth and precious metal.

1. Rare Earth

Rare earth is a group of 17 metal elements that are not very rare, and are usually found in parts of the earth’s crust. These elements have great magnetic, phosphorous, and conductive properties (can conduct electricity). These are three traits that are essential to today’s technology.

Of the 17 metal elements, 16 of them include materials for making smartphones and other electronic devices. These metals can make the screen appear and color as well as the ability to conduct electricity and vibration in our smartphones.

Even though it is called a metal element that is not too rare, all efforts to find the types of metals used to manufacture smartphones have an impact on the Earth. This type of metal is usually found in areas with low concentrations, making it difficult to excavate.

Sometimes an open-pit mining method is required which is carried out over a large area of ​​land. This mining method can damage vast natural habitats. This causes air and water pollution, and even pollutes the environment where humans live.

2. Precious Metal

13 elements of precious metal are the material for making smartphones. Examples are copper, silver, and gold. In the mining process, the search for this metal is also carried out by digging in a large area. This means, the more smartphones are produced, the more metals are extracted from nature.

It should also be noted that one day the metallic elements on Earth could one day be depleted if taken continuously. Meanwhile, unused smartphones still need special attention. If possible, don’t throw away your smartphone or cell phone carelessly. This is because it will produce toxic waste in landfills. If you still have a damaged smartphone that can still be repaired, you can donate it.