Life Cycle Assessment Practice Questions
Question 1
Q1. Knowledge Recall (1-2 marks)
Define the term "life cycle assessment" and state its purpose.
Question 2
Q2. Knowledge Recall (1-2 marks)
List the four stages involved in a life cycle assessment.
Question 3
Q3. Application (2-3 marks)
Explain why it is important to consider the environmental impacts of a product or service over its entire life cycle.
Question 4
Q4. Knowledge Recall (1-2 marks)
Name two common environmental impact categories evaluated in a life cycle assessment.
Question 5
Q5. Application (2-3 marks)
Discuss the advantages of using renewable energy sources in the manufacturing stage of a product.
Question 6
Q6. Knowledge Recall (1-2 marks)
What is the purpose of a life cycle inventory?
Question 7
Q7. Calculations (3-4 marks)
A product has a life cycle inventory that includes the following data:
- Raw material extraction: 100 kg of steel (recycled)
- Manufacturing: 50 kg of coal and 200 kg of plastic
- Distribution: 1000 km by truck
- End-of-life: 20 kg recycled, 80 kg landfilled
Calculate the total mass of the product over its entire life cycle.
Question 8
Q8. Knowledge Recall (1-2 marks)
What is the difference between the life cycle impact assessment and the life cycle interpretation?
Question 9
Q9. Application (2-3 marks)
How can life cycle assessment be used to improve the sustainability of a product or service?
Question 10
Q10. Chemical Equation (3-4 marks)
The combustion of natural gas (CH4) releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Write and balance the chemical equation for this reaction.