Minerals and Energy Resources class 10 NCERT geography MCQ SAQ

Minerals and Energy Resources NCERT  solution :

 

(i) Which one of the following minerals is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?

(a) coal

(b) bauxite

(c) gold

(d) zinc

► (b) bauxite

(ii) Koderma, in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?

(a) bauxite

(b) mica

(c) iron ore

(d) copper

► (b) mica

 

(iii) Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the stratas of which of the following rocks?

(a) sedimentary rocks

(b) metamorphic rocks

(c) igneous rocks

(d) none of the above

► (a) sedimentary rocks

 

(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?

(a) oil

(b) uranium

(c) thorium

(d) coal

► (c) thorium

 

Page No: 64

 

 

(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.

(a) Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals

(b) Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

 

(ii) What is a mineral?

(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?

(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?

 

 

(i) (a)

Ferrous minerals	Non-ferrous minerals
Metallic minerals which contain iron are called ferrous minerals, e.g. iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.	Metallic minerals which do not contain iron are called non-ferrous minerals, e.g. copper, bauxite, tin, etc.

(b)

Conventional Sources of Energy	Non-conventional Sources of Energy
Conventional sources of energy are those sources which have been used since the early times.	Non-conventional sources of energy have generally been identified in the recent past.
They are exhaustible except for hydro-energy.	They are inexhaustible.
They cause pollution when used as they emit smoke and ash.	Generally these are pollution-free.
Their generation and use involve huge expenditure.	Low expenditure required.
Very expensive to maintain, store, and transmit as they are carried over long distances through transmission grids.	Less expensive due to local use and easy maintenance.
Examples are – coal, natural gas, water, fire-wood.	Examples are – geothermal energy, solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, biogas energy, nuclear energy.

 

(ii) A mineral is a homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable interior structure.

 

(iii) In igneous and metamorphic rocks, molten/liquid and gaseous minerals are forced upwards into the cracks. They then solidify and form veins or lodes.

 

(iv) It takes millions of years for the formation of minerals. Compared to the present rate of consumption, the replenishment rate of minerals is very slow. Hence, mineral resources are finite and non-renewable. Due to this, it is important that we conserve the mineral resources.

 

 

(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.

(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?

 

 

→ The major resources of metallurgical coal belong to the Gondwana age and are located mainly in the north eastern part of the peninsula.

→ Rich reserves of coal are found in the Damodar Valley region in the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. Raniganj in West Bengal and Jharia and Bokaro in Jharkhand are important coalfields. One third of the total production comes from here.

→ Coal is also found in the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys. Korba in Chhattisgarh, Singrauli and Penah-kanhan valley in Madhya Pradesh, Talcher in Orissa, Kamptee and Chandrapur in Maharashtra and Singareni of Andhra Pradesh are important coal mines.

→ Tertiary coal occurs in the north eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

→ Principal lignite reserves are found in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.

 

(ii) Solar energy has a bright future in India because –

→ India being a tropical country receives sunlight in abundance throughout the year.

→ Solar plants can be easily established in rural and remote areas.

→ It will minimize the dependence of rural households on firewood and dunk cakes which in turn will contribute to environmental conservation and adequate supply of manure in agriculture.

 Minerals and Energy Resources MCQ

QUESTION: 1

Name the mineral which is used to reduce cavities.

• A.

• Fluorite

• B.

• Silicon 

• C.

• Aluminum oxide

• D.

• Limestone

Solution:

Abrasive minerals like silica, limestone, aluminum oxide and various phosphate minerals do the cleaning. Fluoride which is used to reduce cavities, comes from a mineral fluorite. Most toothpastes are made white with titanium oxide, which comes from minerals called rutile, ilmenite and anatase. 

QUESTION: 2

Which of the following is derived from the ocean waters? 

• A.

• Limestone

• B.

• Sandstone

• C.

• Cobalt

• D.

• Bromine

Solution:

The most recoverable form of bromine is from soluble salts found in seawater, salt lakes, inland seas and brine wells. Sea water contains bromine in about 65 parts per million (ppm) but bromine is found in much higher concentrations (2,500 to 10,000 ppm) in inland seas and brine wells.

QUESTION: 3

What has raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in the future?  

• A.

• Rising prices of oil and gas

• B.

• Lack of water resources

• C.

• Limited use of non-renewable fossil fuels

• D.

• Increasing use of renewable energy resources

Solution:

The use of non conventional sources of energy is becoming necessary in our country India for the following reasons:

1.The growing consumption of energy has resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on Fossil fuels such as Coal, Oil and Gas.

2. Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortage in the future has raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in the future. It has serious repercussions on the growth of the national economy.To save expenses we should use non conventional sources of energy.

3. Increasing Use of fossil fuels also causes serious environmental problems.

Hence , there is a pressing need to use non conventional energy resources like solar energy, wind, tide, Biomass and energy from waste material.

QUESTION: 4

Which state in India is the largest producer of bauxite?  

• A.

• Odisha

• B.

• Karnataka

• C.

• Maharashtra

• D.

• Kerala

Solution:

The correct answer is A as Bauxite is found mainly in tertiary deposits and is associated with laterite rocks occurring extensively either on the plateau or hill ranges of peninsular India and also in the coastal tracts of the country. Odisha happens to be the largest producer of Bauxite.

QUESTION: 5

India is critically deficient in the reserve and production of: 

• A.

• copper

• B.

• bauxite

• C.

• zinc

• D.

• platinum

Solution:

India is critically deficient in the reserve and production of copper. Being malleable, ductile and a good conductor, copper is mainly used in electrical cables, electronics and chemical industries.

QUESTION: 6

Which is India's oldest oil producing state? 

• A.

• Jharkhand

• B.

• Arunachal Pradesh

• C.

• Karnataka

• D.

• Assam

Solution:

Among the above the oldest oil producing state or the oldest state in general in the country that produces oil in India is the oil refinery that is situated in the state of Assam. The name of the oil refinery in Assam is Digboi situated in the Tinsukia district.

QUESTION: 7

Nagarcoil and Jaisalmer are well-known for the effective use of ?

• A.

• tidal energy

• B.

• geothermal energy

• C.

• wind energy

• D.biogas

Solution:

C is the correct option. Nagercoil and Jaisalmer are well known for effective use of wind energy in the country.

QUESTION: 8

What are the Khetri mines famous for?

• A.

• Coal

• B.

• Copper

• C.

• Iron

• D.

• Gold

Solution:

B is the correct option.Khetri is actually two towns, "Khetri Town" founded by Raja Khet Singhji Nirwan and "Khetri Nagar" which is about 10 km away from Khetri. Khetri Nagar, well known for its “Copper” Project, was built by and is under the control of Hindustan Copper Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Government of India.

1. Which of the following sedimentary minerals is formed as a result of evaporation, especially in arid regions?

(a) Coal

(b) Potash salt

(c) Iron ore

(d) Sulfur

► (b) Potash salt

2. Which of the following rocks consists of a single mineral?

(a) Granite

(b) Basalt

(c) Limestone

(d) Sandstone

► (c) Limestone

3. Minerals are deposited and accumulated in strata of which of the following rocks?

(a) Sedimentary rocks

(b) Metamorphic rocks

(c) Igneous rocks

(d) None of the above

► (a) Sedimentary rocks

4. Minerals formed from solidification of molten matter in the crack, crevices, faults or joints are found in which types of rocks?

(a) Stratified rocks

(b) Igneous and metamorphic rocks

(c) Sedimentary rocks

(d) None of the above

► (b) Igneous and metamorphic rocks

5. Study about which of the characteristics of minerals is not a concern of geographers?

(a) Minerals as part of the earth’s crust for better understanding of landforms.

(b) Distribution of minerals

(c) Economic activities associated with minerals

(d) Formation, age and physical and chemical composition of minerals

► (d) Formation, age and physical and chemical composition of minerals

6. Which of the following is the finest quality of iron ore with magnetic qualities ?

(a) Magnetite

(b) Haematite

(c) Siderite

(d) Limonite

► (a) Magnetite

7. Metals like gold, silver and platinum are known as which of the following?

(a) Ferrous minerals

(b) Non-ferrous minerals

(c) Non-metallic minerals

(d) Precious minerals

► (d) Precious minerals

8. Which of the following regions of India is almost devoid of economic minerals?

(a) The Himalayan belt

(b) The alluvial plains of North India

(c) The Thar desert

(d) The Peninsular plateau

► (b) The alluvial plains of North India

9. Which of the following is a major metallic mineral obtained from veins and lodes?

(a) Tin

(b) Iron

(c) Manganese

(d) Gold

► (a) Tin

10. Which of the following regions of India contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica and many other non-metallic minerals?

(a) The Himalayas

(b) Alluvial plains of North India

(c) Rock system of peninsula in Rajasthan

(d) Peninsular plateau region

► (d) Peninsular plateau region

11. To which of the following categories of resources, do minerals belong ?

(a) Renewable and replenishable

(b) Flow

(c) Non-renewable and finite

(d) None of the above

► (c) Non-renewable and finite

12. Which of the following minerals is an important raw material in the iron and steel industry apart from iron ?

(a) Mica

(b) Aluminum

(c) Gypsum

(d) Manganese

► (d) Manganese

13. Which one of the following mineral ores is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?

(a) Coal

(b) Bauxite

(c) Gold

(d) Zinc

► (b) Bauxite

14. Which of the following minerals is indispensable for electric and electronic industries?

(a) Iron

(b) Nickel

(c) Manganese

(d) Mica

► (d) Mica

15. India’s reserves and production of which of the following types of minerals is not very satisfactory?

(a) Ferrous Minerals

(b) Non-Ferrous Minerals

(c) Energy Minerals

(d) None of the above

► (b) Non-Ferrous Minerals

16. Which of the following is a fuel mineral?

(a) Hydro-electricity

(b) Solar power

(c) Thorium

(d) Biogas

► (c) Thorium

17. Koderma in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?

(a) Bauxite

(b) Mica

(c) Iron ore

(d) Copper

► (b) Mica

18. Due to which of the following reasons is the Bailadila range in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh famous?

(a) It is the highest range in Central India

(b) Very high grade haematite variety of iron ore is found here

(c) Very high grade coal deposits are found here

(d) It is the largest iron ore deposit in the world

► (b) Very high grade haematite variety of iron ore is found here

19. Which of the following is a fuel mineral?

(a) Hydro-electricity

(b) Solar power

(c) Thorium

(d) Biogas

► (c) Thorium

20. Which of the following is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India?

(a) Petroleum

(b) Coal

(c) Firewood

(d) Biogas

► (b) Coal

21. Which of the following energy sources are not the conventional sources of energy?

(a) Firewood, cattle dung cake

(b) Atomic energy, biogas, solar energy

(c) Coal, petroleum, natural gas

(d) Hydel and thermal electricity

► (b) Atomic energy, biogas, solar energy

22. Which of the following energy sources is also termed as mineral oil or crude oil?

(a) Coal

(b) Petroleum

(c) Biogas

(d) Natural gas

► (b) Petroleum

23. Which of the following industries are the key users of natural gas?

(a) Cotton and jute textiles

(b) The power and fertilizer industries

(c) Iron and steel industry

(d) All the above

► (b) The power and fertilizer industries

24. Which of the following is the geological age of coal found in north-eastern India?

(a) Jurassic

(b) Gondwana

(c) Tertiary

(d) Pre-Cambrian

► (c) Tertiary

25. Which of the following uses non- renewable fossil fuels for generation of electricity?

(a) Hydro-electricity projects

(b) Thermal power stations

(c) Geothermal energy stations

(d) Nuclear power plants

► (b) Thermal power stations

26. Petroleum was first drilled in which of the following oilfields of India ?

(a) Ankleshwar

(b) Digboi

(c) Mumbai High

(d) Kalol

► (b) Digboi

27. Which of the following is considered to be an environmentally friendly fuel?

(a) Peat

(b) Coal

(c) Petroleum

(d) Natural gas

► (d) Natural gas

28. Which one of the following features is not true about copper?

(a) India is deficient in the reserve and production of copper.

(b) It is meliable, ductile and a good conductor.

(c) It is a ferrous ore.

(d) It is mainly used in electrical cables and electronic goods.

► (c) It is a ferrous ore.

29. Which is correct about Magnetite iron ore?

(a) Magnetite is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used.

(b) Magnetite has the inferior magnetic qualities which are not valuable in the electric industry.

(c) It is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to 70%.

(d) It has a slightly lower iron content than haematite (50-60%).

► (c) It is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to 70%.

30. Which one of the following is an essential feature of Mica?

(a) It is a metallic mineral made up of a series of plates

(b) It can be clear, black, green, red, yellow or brown.

(c) It is not used in the electric and electronic industry.

(d) It cannot be easily split into thin sheets

► (b) It can be clear, black, green, red, yellow or brown.

31. Which of the following includes non-ferrous metals?

(a) Iron and manganese

(b) Steel and iron ore

(c) Haematite and magnetite

(d) Copper and bauxite

► (d) Copper and bauxite

32. Which one of the following non-conventional sources of energy is harnessed in the Parvati Valley near Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh

(a) Tidal Energy

(b) Geothermal Energy

(c) Wind Energy

(d) Solar Energy

► (b) Geothermal Energy

33. Which one of the following does not influence the location of industries?

(a) Availability of raw material and electricity.

(b) Availability of markets and capital.

(c) Availability of raw material and labor.

(d) Availability of educational and medical services.

► (d) Availability of educational and medical services.

34. Which one of the following minerals is not obtained from the veins and lodes?

(a) Tin

(b) Zinc

(c) Lead

(d) Gypsum

► (d) Gypsum

35. Which one of the following is not true regarding wind power in India?

(a) The largest wind farm cluster is located in Tamil Nadu.

(b) Jaisalmer is well known for effective use of wind energy in our country.

(c) Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have important wind farms.

(d) Andaman Nicobar islands have important wind farms.

► (d) Andaman Nicobar islands have important wind farms.

36. Which one of the following is not true regarding  the  importance of manufacturing industries?

(a) They generate jobs in the secondary and tertiary sectors.

(b) Export of manufactured goods brings in forgein exchange.

(c) Manufacturing industries encourage trade and commerce.

(d) The economic strength of a country is measured in terms of the raw material it possesses.

► (d) The economic strength of a country is measured in terms of the raw material it possesses.

37. Where is an experimental geo-thermal energy project located in India ?

(a) Gulf of Kachchh - Gujarat

(b) Puga valley - Ladakh

(c) Ganga valley - Himachal Pradesh

(d) Nagercoil - Tamil Nadu

► (b) Puga valley - Ladakh

38. Which one of the following factors is responsible for the sugar mills to shift and concentrate in the southern and western states of India?

(a) Sugarcane is a bulky raw material.

(b) The sucrose content reduces with distance.

(c) The cane produced has higher sucrose content.

(d) The cooperative is not successful.

► (c) The cane produced has higher sucrose content.

39. The best quality of iron ore is:

(a) Magnetite

(b) Pyrite

(c) Hematite

(d) Siderite

► (a) Magnetite

40. Which form of coal has a low carbon and high moisture content and low heating capacity?

(a) Peat

(b) Lignite

(c) Anthracite

(d) Bituminous

► (a) Peat

41. In which state of India are the Khetri Copper mines situated?

(a) Punjab

(b) Jharkhand

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Madhya Pradesh

► (c) Rajasthan

42. The highest quality of hard coal is:

(a) Lignite

(b) Bituminous

(c) Peat

(d) Anthracite

► (d) Anthracite

43. Which one of the following minerals belongs to the category of ferrous minerals?

(a) Mica

(b) Silver

(c) Bauxite

(d) Manganese

► (d) Manganese

44. Which one of the following is largely derived from ocean water?

(a) Bauxite

(b) Magnesium

(c) Gold

(d) Mica

► (b) Magnesium

45. The largest manganese producing state of India is:

(a) Orissa

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(c) Karnataka

(d) Kerala

► (a) Orissa

46. Which one of the following states is the largest producer of copper in India ?

(a) Orissa

(b) Karnataka

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Gujarat

► (c) Madhya Pradesh

47. The largest solar plant of India is located at:

(a) Madhapur

(b) Nagercoil

(c) Madurai

(d) Manikaran

► (a) Madhapur

48. In which of the following iron ore belt Kudremukh mines are located?

(a) Orissa-Jharkhand belt

(b) Maharashtra-Goa belt

(c) Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt

(d) Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikmagalur-Tumkur belt

► (d) Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikmagalur-Tumkur belt

49. Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?

(a) Iron ore

(b) Copper

(c) Bauxite

(d) Limestone

► (d) Limestone

50. Which one of the following non- conventional sources of energy is harnessed near Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh?

(a) Geothermal Energy

(b) Wind energy

(c) Solar energy

(d) None of the above

► (a) Geothermal Energy

51. Which one of the following minerals is contained in the monazite sands?

(a) Oil

(b) Uranium

(c) Thorium

(d) Coal

► (c) Thorium

52. Which of the following is the oldest oil producing state of India?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(c) Assam

(d) Andaman Nicobar island

► (c) Assam

53. Which one of the following states is the largest producer of bauxite?

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(c) Orissa

(d) Gujarat

► (c) Orissa

54. In which one of the following states the largest wind farm cluster is located?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Kerala

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Tamil Nadu

► (d) Tamil Nadu

55. Which one of the following states is the largest producer of copper in India ?

(a) Orissa

(b) Karnataka

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Gujarat

► (c) Madhya Pradesh

56. The larger occurrences of minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks are called:

(a) Veins

(b) Lodes

(c) Beds

(d) Layers

► (b) Lodes

Minerals and Energy Resources SAQ:

“Crude oil reserves are limited all over the world. If people continue to extract it at the present rate, the reserves would last only 35-40 years more.” Explain any three ways to solve this problem.    [CBSE 2019, 32/ 2/ 3]

Ans. Another problem with fossil fuels is that they are steadily increasing air pollution, their use is linked to global warming. So, it is important that we use fuels only when it is absolutely necessary. Try this way, we can save these fuels for the Manufacture of many substances which are dependent on petrochemicals.

For energy purposes, we need to look for alternative sources, such as solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy, etc. Furthermore, fossil fuels will be available to future generations for more useful products. In India, the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) offers the following tips to conserve petrol and diesel while driving. Furthermore, fossil fuels will be available to future generations for more useful products.

(i) Drive at a constant and moderate speed as far as possible. Driving at a high speed or slow speed wastes a lot of fuel.

(ii) Switch off the engine if you have to wait at traffic lights or for any other reason.

(iii) Check the tyre pressure regularly, low pressure or too high pressure waste fuel.

(iv) Make sure that you send your vehicle to the garage for regular maintenance

 

Name the best variety of iron-ore found in India.    [CBSP (AI) 2017]

Ans. Best variety of Iron Ore in India : Magnetite

 

How do minerals occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks?    [CBSE Delhi 2016, CBSE (AI) 2017]

Ans. Occurrence of minerals: In igneous and metamorphic rocks minerals may occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints

 

Differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals, with examples.   [CBSE (F) 2017]

Ans. Difference between ferrous and non ferrous minerals:

 

 Describe any three characteristics of the ‘Odisha-Jharkhand belt’ of iron ore in India. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

Ans. Odisha- Jharkhand Belt:

(i) In Odisha high grade hematite ore is found.

(ii) It is found in Badampahar mines in the Mayurbhauj and Keonjhar districts.

(iii) In the adjoining Singhbhum district of Jharkhand hematite iron ore is mined in Gua and Noamundi.

 

Describe any three characteristics of Bellary-Chitradurga, Chikmagalur-Tumkur iron-ore belt in India.   [CBSE (F) 2017]

Ans. Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur Belt It lies in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

(i) Very high grade hematites are found in the famous Bailadila range of hills in the B as tar district of Chhattisgarh.

(ii) The range of hills comprises 14 deposits of super high grade hematite iron ore.

(iii) It has the best physical properties needed for steel making. Iron ore from these mines is exported to Japan and South Korea via Visakhapatnam port.

 

Which State is the largest producer of manganese in India ? Mention any two uses of manganese.   [CBSE (Comp) 2017]

Ans. Odisha is the largest producer of manganese: Uses of manganese in India:

1. It is used in the manufacturing of steel and ferro- manganese alloy.

2. These alloys are strong and are used in making giant machines.

3. It is also used in manufacturing bleaching powder.

4. It is also used in insecticides.

5. It is also used in the manufacturing of paints.

 

‘Natural gas is an important source of clean energy’. Support the statement with examples.   [CBSE Sample Question 2017]

Ans. Natural gas

In a power deficient country, natural gas is a precious gift.

(i) It can be used as a source of energy. It takes less time to build a power plant based on natural gas.

(ii) It can be used as an industrial raw material in the petro-chemical industry.

(iii) It can be used in building the fertilizer plants and thereby encouraging the use of fertilizers. It can boost agricultural production.

(iv) Through easy transportation of pipelines, its utility is further increased

(v) Use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles to replace liquid fuels is gaining wide popularity in the country.

 

Discuss the hazards of mining on the life of miners and on the environment.   [CBSE Sample Question 2017]

Ans. (i) The dust and noxious fumes inhaled by miners make them vulnerable to pulmonary diseases.

(ii) The risk of collapsing mine roofs, inundation and fires in coal mines are a constant threat to miners.

(iii) The water sources in the region get contaminated due to mining. Dumping of waste and slurry leads to degradation of land, soil and increase in stream and river pollution.

 

How we have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources? Explain.   [CBSE (Comp) 2017]

Ans. Steps to adopt for judicious use of our limited energy resources :

1. Use public transport.

2. Switch off electricity when not in use.

3. Use power saving devices.

4. Use non conventional sources of energy.

 

Why do we need energy?

OR

Why is energy needed? Write one reason.   [CBSE (Comptt.) 2017]

Ans. (i) It is needed to cook, to provide light and heat.

(ii) To propel vehicles.

(iii) To drive machinery in industries.

 

Why should we use renewable energy resources ? Explain with arguments.    [CBSE (F) 2017]

Ans. We should use renewable energy resources because of the following:

(i) Exhaustibility of non renewable resources.

(ii) Long years of geological formation of non renewable resources.

(iii) Causes less pollution.

(iv) Available in abundance.

(v) Environmental friendly.

(vi) Strong dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas is a threat to our environment.

(vii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages.

(viii) Uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.

(ix) There is a pressing need to use renewable energy sources like solar energy, wind, tide;, biomass and energy from waste material.

 

“India is fortunate to have fairly rich and varied mineral resources. However, these are unevenly distributed.” Comment.

OR

“Minerals are unevenly distributed in India.” Support the statement with examples.   [CBSE (Al) 2017] 

Ans.  

• Minerals are unevenly distributed in various regions of India. 

• Peninsular rocks contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica and many other non-metallic minerals. 

• Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula, in Gujarat and Assam have most of the petroleum deposits. 

• Rajasthan, with the rock systems of the peninsula, has reserves of many non-ferrous minerals. 

• The vast alluvial plains of North India are almost devoid of economic minerals.

 “Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives.” Support this statement with suitable examples.    [CBSE (F) 2016, CBSE (Comp) 2017]

Ans. Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives:

(i) Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to a towering building or a big ship, all are made from minerals.

(ii) The  and tarmac (paving) of the roads are made from minerals.

(iii) Cars, buses, trains, airplanes are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from the earth.

(iv) Even the food that we eat contains minerals.

(v) In all stages of development, human beings have used minerals for their livelihood, decoration, festivities, religions and ceremonial rites.

 

. Why is Conservation of mineral resources essential? Explain any three methods to conserve them.    [CBSE 2015]

OR

Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources ? Explain any four ways to conserve mineral resources.    [CBSE (AI) 2017]

Ans. Need for conservation of Minerals:

(i) We are rapidly consuming mineral resources that require millions of years to be created and concentrated.

(ii) The geological processes of mineral formation are so slow that the rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to its consumption.

(iii) Continued extraction of ores leads to increasing costs as mineral extraction comes from greater depths along with decrease in quality.

(iv) Most of the minerals are unevenly distributed on the Earth’s surface.

Mineral resources are therefore finite and non-renewable.

Three methods to conserve Minerals:

(i) We must make use of minerals in a planned and sustainable manner.

(ii) Improved technologies need to be constantly evolved to allow the use of low grade ores at low cost.

(iii) Recycling of metals.

(iv) Using scrap metals and other substitutes are steps in conserving our mineral resources for the future.

 

Answer the following in about 30 words.

(i) Distinguish between the following.

(a) Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals    [CBSF. (F) 2017]

(b) Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy

Ans. (a) Ferrous minerals are in the category of metallic minerals that contain iron (Fe). The composition of iron varies from mineral to mineral. Pyrite is an example of a ferrous mineral. Non-ferrous minerals are the metallic minerals that do not contain iron (Fc). Gold (Au) is an example of a non-ferrous mineral.

(b)

(ii) What is a Mineral?

Ans. Minerals are defined as solid, inorganic, naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical formula and general atomic structure.

(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?    [CBSE (AI) 2017] 

Ans. Minerals generally occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks. In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid or molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth’s surface, they cool and solidify as they rise in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints. The smaller occurrences are called veins and the larger are called lodes.

(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?

Ans. (i) Mineral resources form about 1% of Earth’s crust and require millions of years to form, therefore are finite and non-renewable in nature.

(ii) The continued extraction of ores will lead to increase in cost as extraction comes from greater depths.

(iii) There is also a decrease in quality along lower depths

 

 ‘Why is there a pressing need to use renewable energy resources in India. Explain giving any five reasons.    [CBSE (Comptt) 2017]

Ans. (i) The growing consumption of energy has resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil & gas.

(ii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future, which in turn has serious repercussions on the growth of the national economy.

(iii) Moreover, increasing use of fossil fuels also causes serious environmental problems*

(iv) Hence, there is a pressing need to use renewable energy sources like solar energy, wind, tidal, biomass and energy from waste material. These are called non-conventional energy resources.

 

“Energy saved is energy produced.” Justify the statement by giving any six measures to conserve the energy resources.    [CBSE (Delhi) 2017]

Ans. We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources.

As concerned citizens, we can do our bit by:

(i) Using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles.

(ii) Switching off electricity when not in use.

(iii) Using power saving devices like stars appearing in electronic industries.

(iv) Using CNG as fuel which is environmentally friendly.

(v) Increased use of renewable energy.

(vi) Use of biogas for domestic consumption in the rural areas.

(vii) Using non-conventional sources of energy.

 

Why is copper mainly used in electrical cables and electronic industries?    [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]

Ans. Copper is mainly used because it is malleable, ductile and a good conductor of heat and electricity.

 

Why are there a wide range of colors, hardness, crystal forms, luster and density found in minerals?    [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans. The ranges found in minerals are due to: Physical and Chemical conditions.

 

Why should the use of cattle cake as fuel be discouraged?    [CBSE (AI) 2016]

Ans. (i) It creates pollution.

(ii) It consumes the most valuable manure which could be used in agriculture.

 

How are ‘Gobar gas plants beneficial to the farmers?    [CBSE (AI) 2016]

Ans. ‘Gobar Gas Plants’ are beneficial to the farmers in the form of energy and improved quality of manure.

 

Give a short account of the major iron ore belts in India.    [CBSE Sample Question 2016]

Ans. (i) Odisha-Jharkhand Belt In Odisha, high grade haematite ore is found in Badampahar mines in the Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts. In the adjoining Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, haematite iron ore is mined in Gua and Noamundi.

(ii) Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur Belt That lies in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Very high grade haematite is found in the famous Bailadila range of hills in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. It has the best physical properties needed for steel making; iron ore from these mines is exported to Japan, South Korea via the Visakhapatnam port.

(iii) Bellary-Chitradurga-Belt Chikkamagaluru: Tumkur belt in Karnataka has large reserves of iron ore. The Kudermukh mines located in the western ghats of Karnataka are a 100 percent export unit. Kudremukh deposits are known to be one of the largest in the world.

(iv) Maharashtra-Goa belt It includes the state of Goa and RaTnagiri district of Maharashtra. Though the ores are not of very high quality, they are efficiently exploited. Iron ore is exported through the Mormugao port.

 

‘Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country. There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development and energy saving’. Suggest and explain any three measures to solve this burning problem.    [CBSE (AI) 2016]

OR

There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Give two broad measures for it. As concerned citizens, how can you help to conserve energy?   [CBSE Sample Question 2016]

Ans. (i) “Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country. There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development and energy saving.”

(ii) The Energy sector of the National economy, agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic needs input of energy.

(iii) With increasing population and changing lifestyles, energy consumption is increasing very fast.

(iv) We are not self-sufficient in energy according to demands therefore judicious use of limited resources is essential.

Three measures to solve this burning problem are:

(i) We can do one bit by using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles.

(ii) Switching off electricity when not in use.

(iii) Using power saving devices or using non-conventional sources of energy.

(iv) Checking the power equipment regularly can help in saving energy.

 

“India is an important iron and steel producing country in the world. Yet we are not able to perform to our full potential.” Suggest and explain any three measures to get full potential.   [CBSE (F) 2016]

Ans. India is an important iron and steel producing country in the world yet, we are not able to perform to our full potential largely due to:

(i) High costs and limited availability of coking coal.

(ii) Lower productivity of labor.

(iii) Irregular supply of energy, and

(iv) Poor infrastructure.

 

. How do minerals occur in sedimentary rocks?    [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans. Occurrence of minerals in sedimentary rocks: In sedimentary rocks, a number of minerals occur in beds or layers. They have been formed as a result of deposition, accumulation and concentration in horizontal strata.

 

. Highlight the importance of petroleum. Explain the occurrence of petroleum in India.    [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans. Importance of Petroleum:

(i) Petroleum is the major energy source in India.

(ii) Provides fuel for heat and lighting.

(iii) Provides lubricant for machinery.

(iv) Provides raw material for a number of manufacturing industries.

(v) Petroleum refineries act as nodal industries for the synthetic, textile, fertilizer and chemical industries.

 

 Explain the importance of conservation of minerals. Highlight any three measures to conserve them.    [CBSE (AI) 2016]

Ans. Importance of Conservation of Minerals:

(i) Mineral resources are being rapidly consumed which takes millions of years to be created and concentrated.

(ii) Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable

(iii) Continued extraction of ores leads to increasing costs as mineral extraction comes from greater depths along with decreasing quality.

The three measures to conserve minerals are:

(i) It should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.

(ii) Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ores at low costs.

(iii) Some of the metals are recyclables.

(iv) Scrap of metal can be used and some other substitute can be found.

 

How is mining activity injurious to the health of the miners and environment? Explain.    [O.RS.E, 2015]

OR

What are the hazards of mining?

Ans. (i) The dust and various fumes inhaled by miners make them vulnerable to pulmonary diseases.

(ii) The risk of collapsing mine roofs, inundation and fires in coal mines are a constant threat to miners.

(iii) The water resources in the regions get contaminated due to mining.

(iv) Dumping of waste and slurry leads to degradation of land, soil and increase in stream and river pollution.

 

Which rock consists of a single mineral only ?    [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Limestone.

Name and describe briefly methods of extraction.

Answer. Mining, drilling and quarrying are methods of extraction. Mining is a process of extraction of minerals from rocks under the earth’s surface.

Open cast mining: In this, minerals lying at shallow depths are taken out by removing the surface layer.

Shaft mining: In this, deep bores (called shafts) are made to reach mineral deposits lying at large depths. Drilling: In this, deep wells are bored to take out minerals.

Quarrying: It is the process of extraction in which minerals lying very close to the surface are extracted just by digging them out.

Where are minerals found?

Answer. Minerals are found in different types of rocks. Metallic minerals are usually found in igneous and metamorphic rocks that form large plateaus. Examples: iron ore is found in north Sweden, copper and nickel in Canada. In igneous and metamorphic rocks in South Africa, iron, nickel, chromites and platinum are found. Non-metallic minerals are found in sedimentary rock formations. Limestone deposits are found in France. Mineral fuels such as coal and petroleum are found in sedimentary strata.

Describe the mineral distribution in North America.

Answer. The mineral deposits in North America are found in three zones: the Canadian region in the north of the Great Lakes, the Appalachian region and the Rocky Mountains in the West. Iron ore, nickel, gold, uranium and copper are mined in the Canadian Shield Region, and coal in the Appalachian region. Western Cordilleras have vast deposits of copper, lead, zinc, gold and silver.

 Write common uses of minerals.

Answer. Minerals are important in many industries. Minerals used in gems are usually very hard. These are then set in varying styles of jewelry. Iron and copper are metals used in almost everything. Copper is present in everything from coins to pipes and electricity wires. Silicon, obtained from the mineral quartz, is the base of the computer industry. Aluminum, obtained from bauxite ore, and its alloys are used in airplanes due to their light weight. Aluminum is also used in kitchen cookware.

 How is hydroelectricity produced?

Answer. Hydroelectricity is produced from the energy possessed by water falling from great heights. River water is stored in dams. When rain water or river water falls from heights, it flows over turbine blades placed at the bottom of the dam. The moving blades are connected to a generator which produces electricity from this energy. This electricity is called hydroelectricity. The water discharged after its production is used for irrigation

Minerals and Energy Resources long question

 Name the two varieties of iron ore in India having high content of iron. Mention the names of places in India which have the richest iron ore deposits. Explain two effects on our economy due to export of good quality ores in large quantities.

Ans. The two varieties of iron ore of India having high iron content are magnetite and hematite. Magnetite is the finest quality iron ore with very high iron content upto 70 per cent. Hematite has an iron content of 50 to 60 per cent but is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used.

Rich iron-ore deposits are found in the following regions of India :

(i) Orissa-Jharkhand belt with high grade hematite iron ore in Badampahar mines in the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts of Orissa, and Gua and Noamundi in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

(ii) Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra with super-high grade hematite iron ore, in the famous Bailadila range of hills in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.

(iii) Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikmagalur-Tumkur belt in Karnataka has large reserves of iron ore. The Kudremukh mines located in the Western Ghats are known to be one of the largest deposits in the world.

(iv) Maharashtra-Goa belt includes Ratnagiri and Chandrapur in Maharashtra and Bicholiam and Pali in Goa.

About half of the iron-ore produced in the country is exported primarily to Japan, Korea, European countries and Gulf countries. Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Mangalore and Marmagao are the main iron exporting ports.

Export of good quality ores in large quantities have positive as well as negative effects. The export of the ore earns huge quantities of foreign exchange which is imperative for development activities.

The export of good quality ores has a negative effect on industrial production within the country which lags in production of iron and steel in spite of having good reserves of iron ore.

 

What are the differences between hydro-electricity and thermal electricity? What is nuclear electricity?

Ans. Hydro-electricity and thermal electricity are two main forms of commercial conventional sources of energy. The main points of difference between these two types of energy sources are as follows :

 

  

 

 

Nuclear electricity or atomic energy is obtained by altering the structure of atoms of minerals like uranium and thorium. When such atomic alteration is made, much energy is released in the form of heat and this is used to generate electric power.

 

Q.3. Name the ore from which aluminum is obtained. Why is aluminum considered to be an important metal? Name the areas which have rich deposits of the ore of aluminum.

Ans. Aluminum is obtained mainly from bauxite. Though several ores contain aluminum, it is from bauxite, a reddish-brown, residual clay-like substance, that alumina and later aluminum is obtained. Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of rocks rich in aluminum silicates.

Aluminum is considered to be an important metal because of its properties and wide variety of uses.

(i) It combines the strength of metals such as iron with extreme lightness. So it is used for manufacturing of aircrafts and transport vehicles.

(ii) It has great malleability. It is used for construction purposes to make doors, windows, rods and for making utensils.

(iii) It also has good conductivity and is used in electrical conductors.

Rich deposits of bauxite, the ore of aluminum, are found mainly in the Amarkantak plateau, Maikal hills and the plateau region of Bilaspur-Katni in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Orissa is the leading producer accounting for about 45 per cent of the total bauxite production in the country. Panchpatmali deposits in Koraput are an important bauxite reserve in Orissa.

 

State the facts about coal found in India with reference to the following :

 (a) their total reserves

 (b) its importance as a source of energy and as a source of raw material

 (c) its main varieties

 (d) distribution of coal in India

Ans. Coal is the most abundantly available and important fossil fuel in India.

(a) Total reserves of coal : India has a coal reserve of about 2,14,000 million tons. They occur in the rock series of two main geological ages, the Gondwana, a little over 200 million years in age, and in Tertiary deposits which are about 55 million years old.

(b) It is important as a source of energy and as a source of raw material: Coal is the main source of power generation in India. It provides a substantial part of the nation’s energy needs for both industries and domestic purposes. It is the prime source of energy in the manufacturing of iron and steel. Coal is also used as raw material for the chemical industry.

(c) Its main varieties are :

(i) Anthracite — highest quality hard coal with more than 80 percent carbon content.

(ii) Bituminous — most popular coal for commercial use with 60 to 80 percent carbon content.

(iii) Lignite — low grade brown coal with high moisture content and lesser combustible matter with about 60 percent content.

(iv) Peat – produced from decaying plants in swamps with low carbon content of less than 50 percent, high moisture content and low heating capacity.

(d) Distribution of coal in India: The distribution of coal in India is more abundant on the eastern side of the country. In India, coal occurs in the rock series of two main geological ages—Gondwana and tertiary. While Gondwana coal is about 200 million years old, tertiary deposits are approximately 55 million years old. The major resources of Gondwana (metallurgical) coal are located in the Damodar valley (West Bengal, Jharkhand), Jharia, Raniganj and Bokaro. The Godavari, Mahandi, Son and Wardha valleys also contain coal deposits. Tertiary coal occurs in the north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

 

How is petroleum an important source of both energy and raw material? Mention the names of the areas which have rich petroleum deposits.

Ans. Petroleum or mineral oil is a major energy source in India. It provides fuel for heating and lighting. It is used as a fuel for running automobiles, trains, airplanes and ships. Petroleum is used for generation of thermal electricity which is a major source of power for commercial purposes.

A number of byproducts are obtained from fractional distillation of petroleum which are used as raw materials for various industries. Chemical fertilizers, insecticides and chemicals and plastics are manufactured from petrochemicals. It also provides raw materials for synthetic textile and synthetic rubber industries.

About 63 percent of India’s petroleum production comes from the drilling areas of Mumbai High and Bassein in the Arabian Sea. Aliabet is another oilfield offshore the coast of Gujarat. 18 percent of petroleum production comes from Gujarat. Ankaleshwar and Kalol are important oil fields in this region.

16 percent of the production comes from Assam. Assam is the oldest oil-producing state. Oil was first discovered in Makum in Assam in 1867 and the first oilfield was drilled at Digboi. Digboi, Naharkatiya, Moran-Hugrijan, Sibsagar are important oilfields of Assam.

Oil has also been discovered in Kaveri, Krishna and Godavari basins and at Jawalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh.

 

Why do we need to conserve our mineral resources? Explain any three methods of conservation of minerals.

Ans. Minerals are required in all spheres of our life–for agriculture, industries and domestic purposes. We are rapidly consuming the mineral resources that required millions of years to be created and concentrated. The geological processes of mineral formation are so slow that the rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of consumption. They are finite resources that are non-renewable, yet are getting exhausted due to rapid exploitation. Continued extraction brings down their quality as well as increases costs of extraction. To save these valuable resources from exhaustion and to preserve them for future generations as well, we should conserve our mineral resources.

Three methods of conserving minerals are :

(i) Causing Minimum wastage of minerals during the process of mining and processing of minerals.

(ii) Improved technologies to utilize low-grade ores at low cost.

(iii) Using minerals in a planned manner by adopting the policy of recycle and reuse. Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes to reduce exploitation of present deposits.

 

In recent years, use of which fuel for transport vehicles is gaining popularity? What development has provided impetus to India’s gas production?

Ans.

(i) In recent years, use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport vehicles is gaining popularity. It is replacing liquid fuels like petrol and diesel. The liquid fuels obtained from petroleum are exhausting rapidly and are costlier. They cause enormous pollution. Hence, the use of Compressed Natural Gas is encouraged to control pollution, protect the environment and conserve petroleum which is exhausting rapidly. In Delhi CNG has already gained wide popularity. CNG is being encouraged with the motto of cleaner city, with government initiative.

(ii) The 1700 km long Hazira-Bijapur-Jagdishpur cross-country gas pipeline links Mumbai High and Bassein with the fertilizer, power and industrial complexes in western and northern India.

This artery has provided impetus to India’s gas production by linking gas-producing areas to their market. As gas can easily be transported via pipelines, the natural gas can be taken from source areas directly to their demand areas.

 Write the advantages and dis¬advantages of non-conventional sources of energy.

Answer.

Advantages:

• Non-conventional sources of energy are usually inexhaustible. They do not pollute the environment.

• Nuclear power is emitted in large amounts.

• Most non-conventional sources of energy cost less.

• These forms of energy are safe to use and clean.

Disadvantages:

• Windmills are costly to set up. So using them to harness wind energy is costly, even though the electricity generated from it is cheap.

• Setting up windmills disturbs radio and TV broadcasts.

• Harnessing tidal energy destroys natural habitats of wildlife.

• Moreover, tidal energy is difficult to harness.

• Obtaining nuclear energy from radioactive material generates radioactive waste. It is expensive too.

• Biogas, although useful and renew¬able, contributes to the greenhouseffect.

Name and describe some non- conventional sources of energy.

Answer. Non-conventional power sources are those power sources that have come into use recently due to the depleting conventional resources and growing awareness. Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, nuclear power and tidal energy are examples of non- conventional power sources.

Solar energy is the heat and light energy captured from the sun. Solar cells help to convert this energy to electricity. Solar energy is used in solar heaters, solar cookers, solar dryers, etc.

Wind energy is the energy possessed by moving air (wind). Windmills are used to convert wind energy to electricity. Wind farms have clusters of windmills located in coastal regions and mountain passes.

Nuclear power is energy possessed by the nuclei of atoms of naturally occurring radioactive elements like uranium-, thorium, etc.

Geothermal energy is the heat energy obtained from the inside of the earth. The temperature inside the earth increases as we go deeper. This heat is used to produce electricity. It is accessed in the form of hot springs. Tidal energy is the energy generated from tides. It is harnessed by building dams at narrow openings of the sea. Biogas is a gaseous fuel obtained from the decomposition of organic waste like dead plant and animal material or animal dung and kitchen waste. It is an excellent fuel for cooking and lighting, and is environment-friendly.