| Date | May 2011 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 11M.3.sl.TZ1.C3 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | State | Question number | C3 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Steel is a vital structural material in modern society. Some of it is obtained from recycled iron and steel, but much of it is produced from iron ore using a blast furnace.
State one negative impact that the production of iron and steel has on the environment.
Markscheme
waste rock from mining / airborne ash from blast furnace / the mine destroys the (natural) environment / uses energy resources / acid rain / carbon dioxide / greenhouse gas emissions;
Examiners report
Many students confused the conversion of iron to steel with the smelting of iron ore. A significant number seemed to have memorised a method of heat treatment of steel and many could indentify ways in which the iron and steel industry has an environmental impact.
