Describe the four stages of a life cycle assessment (LCA) that are used to assess the environmental impact of a product.

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.10.1 Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Extracting and processing raw materials
2. Manufacturing and packaging
3. Use and operation during its lifetime
4. Disposal at the end of its useful life (including transport and distribution at each stage)

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme
  • Number each stage clearly
  • Keep each point brief but complete
  • Show understanding of the sequence

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up the order of stages
  • Omitting the transport/distribution element in the disposal stage
  • Using vague terms like "production" instead of "manufacturing and packaging"

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Extracting and processing raw materials
  2. Manufacturing and packaging
  3. Use and operation during its lifetime
  4. Disposal at the end of its useful life (including transport and distribution at each stage)

Key terms in this question

life cycle assessment

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