CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-Question-bank-Geography-Chapter-5-Minerals-and-Energy-Resources

Class 10^th Social Science- Minerals and Energy Resources

MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :

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

(a) Sedimentary rocks (b) Metamorphic rocks

Ans. (a)

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

(a) Bauxite (b) Mica (c) Iron ore (d) Copper

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Oil (b) Uranium (c) Thorium (d) Coal

Ans. (c)

(iv) Which one of the following mineral ores is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving

a residual mass of weathered materials?

(a) Coal (b) Bauxite (c) Gold (d) Zinc

Ans. (b)

Q.2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Give examples.

Ans. Metallic minerals can be classified into ferrous and non-ferrous minerals. Ferrous Minerals

(i) Metallic minerals containing iron are called

ferrous minerals.

(ii) They account for about three-fourths of

the total value of production of metallic

minerals in India.

(iii) Iron ore, manganese, chromite, tungsten,

nickel and cobalt are examples of ferrous

minerals

Non-Ferrous Minerals

Metallic minerals that contain metals other than

iron are non-ferrous minerals.

India’s reserves and production of non-ferrous

minerals is not very satisfactory.

copper, lead, tin, bauxite, gold are examples of

non-ferrous minerals as they do not contain iron.

(ii) What factors make the production of solar energy convenient in India? What are its

uses? Name the largest solar plant of India.

Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India.

Ans. India is a tropical country and it has enough scope for the production and utilisation of

solar energy. Most of the regions of India record high temperatures, especially during the

summer months. The scorching heat of the sun is tapped for productive purposes by using

photovoltaic technology which converts sunlight directly into electricity.

The western parts of India, especially the Thar deserts region, receive undisturbed sunshine

for most parts of the year. This area has great potential for development of energy and can

be utilised as the largest solar power house of India.

Solar energy is becoming fast popular in different parts of the country, especially in rural

and remote areas. It can be used for cooking, heating of water, pumping, refrigeration,

street lighting and room heating in cold areas. The largest solar plant of India is located

at Madhapur near Bhuj in Gujarat. The solar energy is used to sterilise milk cans.

(iii) State the facts about coal found in India with reference to the following : Distribution

of coal in India.

Ans. 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 occur in the north eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

and Nagaland.

Principal lignite reserves are found in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.

(iv) Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

Explain four points of distinction between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.

Ans.

Conventional Sources of Energy

1. Conventional sources of energy have been in use since time immemorial.

2. Most of them, especially the fossil fuels are limited and exhaustible.

3. They emit smoke and ash on burning and cause environmental pollution.

4. As the supply fossil fuels are limited they are expensive.

5. Simple mining as well as modern technology are involved in their production.

6. Coal, mineral oil, natural gas, and hydel power are examples of conventional sources of energy.

Non-conventional Sources of Energy

1. Non-conventional sources have been put to use in the recent past.

2. They are inexhaustible, renewable resources.

3. They are environment friendly as they do not cause pollution.

4. As they are flow resources, freely found in nature in abundance, they are less expensive.

5. Advanced scientific technology is involved in its production.

6. Solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, biogas and energy from urban waste are examples of nonconventional sources of energy.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. 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

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

Ans. (d)

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

(a) Granite (b) Basalt

Ans. (c)

Q.3. Metals like gold, silver and platinum are known as which of the following?

(a) Ferrous minerals

(b) Non-ferrous minerals

(d) Precious minerals

Ans. (d)

Q.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

(d) None of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.5. Which of the following is a major metallic mineral obtained from veins and lodes?

(a) Tin (b) Iron

Ans. (a)

Q.6. Minerals are deposited and accumulated in strata of which of the following rocks?

(a) Sedimentary rocks

(b) Metamorphic rocks

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

Q.7. Which of the following sedimentary minerals is formed as a result of evaporation, especially in arid regions?

(a) Coal (b) Potash salt

Ans. (b)

Q.8. 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

(d) Peninsular plateau region

Ans. (d)

Q.9. Which of the following regions of India is almost devoid of economic minerals?

(a) The Himalayan belt

(b) The alluvial plains of North India

(d) The Peninsular plateau

Ans. (b)

Q.10. Which of the following is the finest quality of iron ore with magnetic qualities ?

(a) Magnetite (b) Haematite

Ans. (a)

Q.11. Which one of the following mineral ores is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?

(a) Coal (b) Bauxite

Ans. (b)

Q.12. 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 hematite variety of iron ore is found here

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

Ans. (b)

Q.13. Which of the following minerals is an important raw material in the iron and steel industry apart from iron ?

(a) Mica (b) Aluminium

Ans. (d)

Q.14. India’s reserves and production of which of the following types of minerals is not very satisfactory?

(a) Ferrous Minerals

(b) Non-Ferrous Minerals

(d) None of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.15. India is critically deficient in the reserve and production of which of the following minerals?

(a) Iron ore (b) Manganese

Ans. (c)

Q.16. Koderma in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?

(a) Bauxite (b) Mica

Ans. (b)

Q.17. Which of the following minerals is indispensable for electric and electronic industries?

(a) Iron (b) Nickel

Ans. (d)

Q.18. To which of the following categories of resources, do minerals belong ?

(a) Renewable and replenish able

(b) Flow

(d) None of the above

Ans. (c)

Q.19. Which of the following is a noncommercial source of energy widely used in rural areas?

(a) Coal (b) Firewood

Ans. (b)

Q.20. Which of the following energy sources are not the conventional sources of energy?

(a) Firewood, cattle dung cake

(b) Atomic energy, biogas, solar energy

(d) Hydel and thermal electricity

Ans. (b)

Q.21. Which of the following is a fuel mineral?

(a) Hydro-electricity (b) Solar power

Ans. (c)

Q.22. Which of the following is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India?

(a) Petroleum (b) Coal

Ans. (b)

Q.23. Which of the following is the geological age of coal found in north-eastern India?

(a) Jurassic (b) Gondwana

Ans. (c)

Q.24. Which of the following energy sources is also termed as mineral oil or crude oil?

(a) Coal (b) Petroleum

Ans. (b)

Q.25. Petroleum was first drilled in which of the following oilfields of India ?

(a) Ankaleshwar (b) Digboi

Ans. (b)

Q.26. Which of the following is not one of the major offshore fields of western India ?

(a) Mumbai High (b) Bassien

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Peat (b) Coal

Ans. (d)

Q.28. Which of the following industries are the key users of natural gas?

(a) Cotton and jute textiles

(b) The power and fertiliser industries

(d) All the above

Ans. (b)

Q.29. Per capita consumption of which of the following is considered as an index of development?

(a) Electricity (b) Coal

Ans. (a)

Q.30. Which of the following uses nonrenewable fossil fuels for generation of electricity?

(a) Hydro-electricity projects

(b) Thermal power stations

(d) Nuclear power plants

Ans. (b)

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

1. 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 is not valuable in the electric industry.

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

Ans. (c)

2. Which of the following includes nonferrous metals ?

(a) Iron and manganese

(b) Steel and iron ore

(d) Copper and bauxite

Ans. (d)

3. 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.

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

Ans. (c)

4. 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.

(d) It cannot be easily split into thin sheets

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Gulf of Kuchch - Gujarat

(b)Puga valley - Ladakh

(d)Nagarcoil - Tamil Nadu

Ans. (b)

6. 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.

(d) Availability of educational and medical services.

Ans. (d)

7. 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.

(d) Andaman Nicobar islands have important wind farms.

Ans. (d)

8. 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 forge in exchange.

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

Ans. (d)

9. Which one of the following minerals is NOT obtained from the veins and lodes?

(a) Tin (b) Zinc

Ans. (d)

10. Which one of the following nonconventional sources of energy is harnessed in the Parvati Valley near

Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh

(a) Tidal Energy

(b) Geothermal Energy

(d) Solar Energy

Ans. (b)

11. 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 bulky raw material.

(b) The sucrose content reduces with distance.

(d) The cooperative are not successful.

Ans. (c)

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

(a) Veins (b) Lodes

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Madhapur (b) Nagarcoil

Ans. (a)

14. Which mineral belongs to the category of non-ferrous minerals?

(a) Iron ore (b) Manganese

Ans. (d)

15. Which form of coal has a low carbon and high moisture contents and low heating capacity ?

(a) Peat (b) Lignite

Ans. (a)

16. The largest manganese producing state of India is -

(a) Orissa (b) Madhya Pradesh

Ans. (a)

17. Which one of the following minerals belongs to a category which is different from others ?

(a) Mica (b) Gold

Ans. (b)

18. The highest quality of hard coal is :

(a) Lignite (b) Bituminous

Ans. (d)

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

(a) Bauxite (b) Magnesium

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Mica (b) Silver

Ans. (d)

21. The best quality of iron ore is :

(a) Magnetite (b) Pyrite

Ans. (a)

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

(a) Sedimentary rocks

(b) Igneous rocks

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

23. Which one of the following minerals is largely derived from Ocean Waters ?

(a) Bromine (b) Silver

Ans. (a)

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

(a) Punjab (b) Jharkhand

Ans. (c)

25. Which one of the following minerals is largely derived from ‘placer deposits’ ?

(a) Magnesium (b) Gold

Ans. (b)

26. In which state of India the Balaghat Copper Mines are situated?

(a) Punjab (b) Kerala

Ans. (c)

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

(a) Orissa (b) Karnataka

Ans. (c)

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

(a) Gujarat (b) Kerala

Ans. (d)

29. Which of the following is non-metallic mineral?

(a) Iron ore (b) Copper

Ans. (d)

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

(a) Gujarat

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Andaman Nicobar island

Ans. (c)

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

(a) Oil (b) Uranium

Ans. (c)

32. Which one of the following minerals is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material ?

(a) Coal (b) Bauxite

Ans. (b)

33. India is critically deficient in which of the following minerals reserves ?

(a) Mica (b) Copper

Ans. (b)

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

(a) Orissa-Jharkhand belt

(b) Maharashtra-Goa belt

(d) Bellary-Chitradiga-Chikmaglur-Tumkur belt

Ans. (d)

35. Electricity generated by burning fossil fuels is called :

(a) Hydro-electricity

(b) Tidal electricity

(d) Nuclear energy

Ans. (c)

36. Koderma - Gaya - Hazaribagh belt is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals ?

(a) Bauxite (b) Mica

Ans. (b)

37. Which one of the following types of coal is the most popular for commercial use?

(a) Bituminous (b) Anthracite

Ans. (a)

38. Which one of the following nonconventional sources of energy is harnessed near Manikarn in Himachal

Pradesh ?

(a) Geothermal Energy

(b) Wind energy

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

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

(a) Rajasthan (b) Madhya Pradesh

Ans. (c)

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. What are minerals? How are they classified?

Ans. Minerals are natural resources which are obtained from rocks. Geologists define a mineral as

a “homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.” They are

normally found in solid, liquid and gaseous states. They have a definite chemical composition

and crystalline structure. A particular mineral that will be formed from a single or certain

combination of elements depends upon the physical and chemical conditions under which the

material forms. Minerals are classified into metallic and non-metallic minerals and energy

resources.

(a) Metals are obtained from metallic minerals. They are further subdivided into

(i) ferrous minerals containing iron, i.g. iron-ore manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.

(ii) Non-ferrous minerals, e.g. copper, lead, tin, bauxite, etc. that do not contain iron.

(iii) Precious minerals, e.g. gold, silver, platinum.

(b) Non-metals, e.g. mica, salt, potash, sulphur, granite, limestone, dolamite, gypsum, marble, etc. lack the lustre and hardness of metals.

Q.2. (i) What are ores? Give example.

(ii) What are ‘placer deposits’? Give examples of minerals found in such deposits.

Ans. (i) The term ore is used to describe an accumulation of any mineral mixed with other

elements. Minerals are usually found in ores. Metals are extracted from the ores after

removing the impurities. Iron ore, bauxite (ore of aluminium), copper ore are examples of

ores, from which iron, aluminium and copper are derived respectively.

(ii) Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in sands of valley floors and base of hills.

These deposits are called ‘placer deposits’. They generally contain minerals which are not

corroded by water. Gold, silver, tin and platinum are examples of some important minerals

found in ‘placer deposits’.

Q.3. What is a mine ? Name the different types of mining prevalent in India. What is rat-hole

mining and where in India is this type of mining done?

Ans. When the extraction of a mineral from its deposit or reserve becomes economically viable, that

deposit is termed as a mine. The concentration of minerals in the ore, the ease of extraction

and closeness to the market are important considerations to select a reserve to be a mine for

extraction of the mineral.

The different types of mining prevalent in India are :

(a) Open-pit mining or open-cast mining.

(b) Undergound mining or deep-shaft mining.

(d) Quarrying.

(e) Drilling (for obtaining mineral oil or petroleum).

Rat-hole mining is a local form of coal mining prevalent in tribal areas of the north-east where

some minerals like coal, iron ore, limestone and dolomite are owned by individuals and

communities. In Jowai and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, coal mining is done by family members

of the tribal community in form of a long narrow tunnel. This is known as rat-hole mining.

Q.4. Mention any four uses of manganese ore. Name three areas where manganese is found.

Ans. Four uses of manganese ore are follows :

(i) It is an important raw material in the iron and steel industry, used in the manufacturing

of steel. Nearly 10 kg of manganese is required to manufacture one tonne of steel.

(ii) It is used to prepare alloys or mixture of different metals to acquire special properties for

the minerals, e.g. ferro-manganese alloys.

(iii) It is used to make bleaching powder and insecticides.

(iv) It is used in manufacturing of batteries and for making paints.

Orissa is the largest producer of manganese followed by Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Kendughar and Sundergarh of Orissa, Chhindwara and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh and

Shimoga of Karnataka are important areas of manganese mining.

Q.5. Which types of minerals have provided a strong base for development of metallurgical

industries in India ? Which particular mineral is termed as the backbone of industrial

development and why?

Ans. Ferrous minerals like iron ore, manganese etc., account for about three-fourth of the total value

of the production of metallic minerals in India. As such, ferrous minerals provide a strong base

for the development of metallurgical industries in India. These industries extract and purify the

metals and produce them in usable forms for their application in various other industries.

Iron ore, a ferrous mineral, is the basic mineral and the backbone of industrial development.

It is the key to progress in the present mechanical civilisation. Iron and steel made from iron

ore and its alloys is used to make machines. Machines determine the development of industries.

As the basic tools, implements and machines required in the industries are made of iron,

industrial development is determined by iron.

Q.6. Why is mica considered to be an indispensable mineral for the electronics industry?

Mention the names of the main mica-producing areas of India.

Ans. Mica is a non-conductor of electricity. Due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss

factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage, mica is an indispensable mineral for

the electrical and electronics industries.

Koderma-Gaya-Hazaribagh belt of Jharkhand is the leading mica-producing area of India.

In Rajasthan, the major mica-producing area is around Ajmer.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Nellore mica belt is an important mica-producing area.

Q.7. Why are petroleum refineries termed as ‘nodal industries’?

Ans. Petroleum refineries act as a ‘nodal industry’ for synthetic textile, fertiliser and numerous

chemical industries. During fractional distillation of mineral oil, apart from petrol, diesel and

kerosene which act as fuel, a number of byproducts like naptha, phyneyl, paraffin wax, asphalt

or tar and a number of petrochemicals are obtained. Chemical fertilisers, insecticides and

chemicals, artificial fibres and artificial rubber are products of petrochemicals. Thus,

petrochemicals, provide raw materials for fertilisers, numerous chemicals, synthetic textiles,

synthetic rubber and plastic industries.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

1. Describe the qualities of four different types of coal found in India. How is coal formed?

Ans. (i) Peat is a low carbon and high in moisture

(ii) Lignite is a low grade brown coal, soft and high moisture content.

(iii) Bituminus coal content high carbon and low moisture most popular coal in commercial

use.

(iv) Anthracite is the highest quality hard coal. Coal is formed due to the compression of plant

material over million years. Most coal is formed during carboniferons periods.

2. What are renewable resources ? Why has it become necessary to use renewable energy

resources?

Ans. The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical

processes are known as renewable resources.

Dependence on fossilfuels ie, coal, oil and gas and rising prices of oil and gas and their

potential shortages have raised uncertainities about security of energy supply in future, which

affect the growth of national economy. Besides, the use of fossil fuels also causes serious

environmental problems Hence, there is a need for use of renewable energy resources.

3. What is mineral ? Mention two types of formations in which they occur.

Ans. Rocks are combinations of homogeneous substances called minerals.

(i) It occurs in cracks, crevices, faults and joints, particularly Igneous and metamorphic rocks.

(ii) It also occurs in beds and layers particularly in sedimentary rocks.

4. In what ways are some manufacturing industries dependent on mineral resources ?

Explain.

Ans. Some manufacturing industries based on minerals resources transform raw materials into

valuable industrial products. Iron and steel, cement, aluminium, petrochemical are mineralbased

industry. They use raw meterials into finished products.

5. Explain why the use of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming necessary in our

country? Give three reasons.

Ans. The use of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming necessary in our country for the

following reasons.

(i) Rising prices of oil and gas.

(ii) To Save environmental pollution.

(iii) As a renewable source of energy.

6. Describe any three factors which play a very important role in turning a mineral reserve

into a mine.

Ans. (i) The concentration of mineral in the ore.

(ii) The ease of extraction of minerals.

(iii) Closeness to the market.

7. ‘Energy saved is energy produced’. Justify the statement by giving any six measures to

conserve the energy resources.

Ans. (i) use public transport systems instead of individual vehicles.

(ii) switching off electricity when it is not in use.

(iii) using power saving devices.

(iv) using non-conventional sources of energy.

(v) use of power saving electrical appliances.

(vi) Minimum use of high power consuming electrical gadgets ie, Air conditioner, room

heaters etc.

8. What is a mineral ? Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals.

Ans. Mineral is a homogeneous naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.

Ferrous minerals are composed of iron matters ie iron, Nickel, Manganese while non-ferrous

minerals do not have iron content example gold, copper etc.

9. “India is highly dependent on coal for meeting its commercial energy requirement.”

Support the statement with three arguments.

Ans. (i) Coal provides a substantial part of nation’s energy needs.

(ii) It is used for power generation.

(iii) It supplies energy to industry as well as for domestic needs.

10. State the importance of petroleum as an energy resource. Mention any four oil fields of

India.

Ans. Petroleum is the next major energy source in India after coal. Petroleum provides fuel for heat

and lighting, lubricants for machinery and raw materials for number of manufacturing

industries – synthetic textiles, fertiliser ad numerous chemical industries.

(i) Mumbai High.

(ii) Ankeleshwar, Gujarat.

(iii) Digboi, Assam.

(iv) Bassien, Arabina Sea.

11. Why do we need to conserve energy resources ? Write two ways to conserve energy

resources ?

Ans. Energy needs of the country is tremendously increasing with the growth of economy. It is

therefore needed to conserve energy resources. The two ways of conserve energy resources are

as follows :

(i) promotion of energy conservation

(ii) increased use of renewable energy sources.

12. Explain the importance, occurrence and distribution of petroleum in India.

Ans. (i) Petroleum is the next major energy source in India after coal.

(ii) Petroleum occurrence in India are associated with anticlines and fault traps in the rock

formations of the tertiary age.

(iii) About 63 percent of India’s petroleum production is from Mumbai High, 18 percent from

Gujarat and 16 percent from Assam. Ankeleswar is the most important oil field of Gujarat

while Assam is the oldest oil producing state in India.

13. Explain three factors that make minerals extraction commercially viable.

Ans. (i) The mineral content of the ore must be in sufficient quantity.

(ii) The type of formation or structure determine the relative ease with which minerals ores

are extracted.

(iii) The cost of extraction of the minerals.

14. Explain any three measures for the conservation of minerals.

Ans. (i) Improved technologies to be adopted to use low grade ores at low costs.

(ii) Recycling of metals using scrap metals.

(iii) Use of other substituees such as aluminium instead of copper etc.

15. “Mineral resources in India are unevenly distributed.” Support the statement with three

suitable examples.

Ans. (i) Peninsular rocks contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals mica and many

other non-metallic minerals.

(ii) Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula in Gujarat and

Assam have most of the petroleum deposits.

(iii) The vast alluvial plains of North India are almost devoid of minerals. These variations

exist largely due to differences in the geological structure processes and time involved in

the formation of minerals.

16. Explain any three types of formations in which minerals occur.

Ans. (i) In igneous and metamorphic rocks minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or

joints.

(ii) In sedimentary rocks a number of minerals occur in beds or layers.

(iii) Another mode of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks and the removal

of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weather material cantaining ore.

Example Bauxite ore.

17. Which is the next major source of energy after coal in India ? Mention any four points

of its importance.

Ans. Petroleum is the next major energy source in India after coal.

(i) It provides fuel for heat and lighting.

(ii) Lubricants for machinery.

(iii) Raw materials for number of manufacturing industries such as synthetic fibres, plastics,

detergents, chemicals etc.

(iv) It can be easily handled and carried through pipelines.

18. How is mica one of the most indispensible minerals ? Explain any three points.

Ans. In electric and electronic industries it is an indispensible minerals.

(i) It has excellent di-electric strength.

(ii) Low power loss factors.

(iii) Insulating properties and resistance to high voltage.

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

(a) Name its four varieties.

(b) Name the geological ages in which it is found in India.

(c) Mention its two main uses.

Ans. (a) Peat, Lignite, Bituminus and Anthracite coal.

(b) Gondwana some 200 million years in age and Tertiary deposits only about 55 million

years old.

needs.

20. Define minerals. How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks ?

Ans. (i) Minerals are a homogeneous naturally occurring substance with a definable internal

structure.

(ii) In igneous and metamorphic rocks minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults and

Joints. The smaller occurrences are called veins and the larger are called lodes.

21. Name any three major iron ore belts found in India. Write main feature of each.

Ans. (i) Orissa – Jharkhand belt with sufficient (25%) deposits of high grade haematite ore.

(ii) Bellary – Chitraduraga – Chikmaglur – Tumkur belt possess 26 percent of the total iron

ore of India.

(iii) Durg – Baster – Chandrapur belt lies in Chhatisgarh and Maharashtra, consisting of very

high grade haematite ore.

22. “Solar energy has a bright future in India” Support the statements with three facts.

Ans. (i) Solar energy will be able to minimise the dependence of rural households on firewood and

dung cakes.

(ii) Contribute to environmental conservation.

(iii) Supply adequate manure in agriculture.

23. What are the uses of copper ? Name the two leading copper producing states of India.

Ans. Copper is mainly used in electrical cables, electronics and chemical industries.

(i) Madhya Pradesh produces 52 percent of India’s copper.

(ii) Rajasthan produces 42 percent of copper in India.

24. What are the uses of limestone ? Mention any two states which are the major producers

of limestone.

Ans. (i) Limestone is the basic raw material for the cement industry and essential elements for

smelting iron ore in the blast furnace.

(ii) Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

25. Identify the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India. Explain any two types with its

characteristics.

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

(i) Lignite is a low grade brown coal which is soft with high moisture content.

(ii) Anthracite is the highest quality hard coal.

26. Explain three phases by which treatment of industrial effluents can be done?

Ans. (i) Primary treatment by mechanical means. This involves screening, grinding flocculation

and sedimentation.

(ii) Secondary treatment by biological process.

(iii) Tertiary treatment by biological chemical and physical processes. This involves recyling

of waste water.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. 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 haematite 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-Chikmaglur-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, Vishakhapatnam, 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.

Q.2. 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 :

Hydro-Electricity

1. Hydro-electricity is generated by fast flowing water which turns turbines to produce electricity.

2. It uses renewable water resources for generating electricity.

3. It is a pollution free form of energy.

4. It is a permanent source of electricity.

5. Hydro-electricity accounts for 25 per cent of the total electricity produced in

India.

Thermal Electricity

1. Thermal electricity is generated by using coal, petroleum and natural gas.

2. It uses non-renewable fossil fuels for generating electricity.

3. It causes pollution due to burning of fossil fuels.

4. It is not a permanent source of electricity.

5. Thermal electricity accounts for about 70 percent of the total production of electricity in India.

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 door, windows, rods

and for making utensils.

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

Rich deposits of bauxite, the ore of aluminium, 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.

Panchpatnali deposits in Koraput are an important bauxite reserve in Orissa.

Q.4. 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 coal reserve of about 2,14,000 million tonnes. 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.

(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 cabon

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 swanps with low cabon content of less

than 50 percent, high moisture content and low heating capacity.

(d) Distribution of coal in India.

Ans. [See NCERT Question No. 2(III)].

Q.5. 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, aeroplanes 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 otained from fractional distillation of pertroleum which are used

as raw materials for various industries. Chemical fertilisers, 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 Bassien in the Arabian Sea. Aliabet is another oilfield off-shore the coast of Gujarat.

18 percent of petroleum production comes from Gujarat. Ankaleshwar and Kalol are important

oilfields 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 Jwalamukhi in

Himachal Pradesh.

Q.6. 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 bring 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 utilise 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 substitues to reduce exploitation of

present deposits.

Q.7. 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 the 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 fertiliser, 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.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? What are its three major

forms? Write main features of each form.

Ans. Coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India. It provides a substantial part of the

nation’s energy requirement. India has vast and rich reserves of coal, distributed in different

regions of India.

The Peninsular Plateau region, especially the Damodar Valley Region of Jharkhand and West

Bengal, the Son, Mahanadi, Godavari and Wardha Valleys of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,

Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have rich deposits of Gondwana coal.

In the north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, tertiary

coal is found.

In Tamil Nadu, lignite deposits are found.

The three major forms of coal are anthracite, bituminous and lignite.

Anthracite is the highest quality coal with more than 80 percent carbon content and very low

moisture content. It is hard, compact and deep-black in colour. It is found in the Jharia

coalfields of Jharkhand in small quantities. Bituminous is the most widely used coal. High

grade bituminous coal is used in metallurgical industries, especially for melting iron in blast

furnaces. So it is also known as metallurgical coal. Bituminous coal contains 60 to 80 percent

carbon, low moisture, and has high heating capacity. It is formed when coal has been burried

deep and subjected to increased temperatures. It is found in large quantities in Jharia coalfield

of Jharkhand and Raniganj coalfields of West Bengal.

Lignite contains about 60 percent carbon and has high moisture content. It is low grade brown

coal which is soft and has low heating capacity. It is used in thermal power stations. Principal

reserves are found in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.

Q.2. Explain four points of distinction between conventional and non-conventional sources of

energy.

Ans. Conventional Sources of Energy

(i) This sources of energy is used for quite a long time.

(ii) It’s use is expensive in the long run.

(iii) It is now extensively used.

(iv) Coal, petroleum Natural gas etc, are mostly fund energy sources.

Non-Conventional sources of Energy

(i) It is recently used as a source of energy.

(ii) It’s use is cheaper in the long run.

(iii) It is used in a limited manner.

(iv) Wind, solar, Tidal, Biogas etc are Flow energy sources.

Q.3. Classify resources into two groups on the basis of exhaustibility. Mention three

characteristics of each. (2009)

Ans. Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

(i) It’s flow is unlimited It’s supply is limited.

(ii) It is environment friendly It is not environment friendly causes many

enviromental problems.

(iii) It’s initial installation cost is high but It’s installation cost is compartively low but

economic in the long run. expensive in the long run.

Minerals and Energy Resources

Class 10th Social Science- Minerals and Energy Resources

Class 10^th Social Science- Minerals and Energy Resources