Long Questions
1. “Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives”. Support this statement with examples. (2020)
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 shop, all are made from minerals.
(ii) The railway lines and the tarmac (paving) of the roads, our implements and machinery too are made from minerals.
(iii) Cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes 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, religious and ceremonial rites
2“Minerals occur in various forms”. Support this statement with examples. (2020)
Ans. Occurrence of minerals:
(i) In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals may occur in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints. The smaller occurrences are called veins and the larger are called lodes.
(ii) In most cases, they are formed when minerals in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth’s surface. They cool and solidify as they rise. Major metallic minerals like tin, copper, zinc and lead, etc., are obtained from veins and lodes.
(iii) 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. For example, gypsum, potash salt and sodium salt. These are formed as a result of evaporation especially in arid regions.
(iv) Another mode of formation involves the decomposition of surface rocks and the removal of soluble constituents, leaving a residual mass of weathered material containing ores. Bauxite is formed this way.
(v) Certain minerals may occur as alluvial in sands of valley floors and the base of hills. These deposits are called ‘placer deposits’ and generally contain minerals, which are not corroded by water. Gold, silver, tin and platinum are most important among such minerals.
1. Describe any three characteristics of the Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur Iron-ore belt in India. (AI 2017)
Ans. Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt lies in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
(a) It provides very high-grade hematite from the famous Bailadila range of hills in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
(b) The range of hills comprise of 14 deposits of super high-grade hematite iron ore. It has the best physical properties needed for steel making.
(c) Iron ore from these mines is exported to Japan and South Korea via Vishakhapatnam port.
2. Describe any three characteristics of ‘Odisha-Jharkhand belt’ of iron ore in India. (Delhi 2017)
Ans. Odisha-Jharkhand belt:
(a) In Odisha high grade hematite ore is found in Badampahar mines in the Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts.
(b) In the adjoining Singbhum district of Jharkhand hematite iron ore is mined in Gua and Noa Mundi.
(c) These mines feed the steel industry in the eastern and other parts of India
3. Describe any three characteristics of Bellary-Chitradurga, Chikmaglur-Tumkur iron-ore blet in India. (Foreign 2017)
Ans. . Ballari-Chitradurga-Chikmagaluru-Tumakuru belt in Karnataka has large reserves of iron ore.
(a) The Kudremukh mines located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
(b) They are a 100 per cent export unit.
(c) Kudremukh deposits are known to be one of the largest in the world. The ore is transported as slurry through a pipeline to a port near Mangaluru.
4. “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 measure to get full potential. (Foreign 2016)
Ans. Though, 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 the following reasons: High costs and limited availability of coking coal and poor supportive infrastructure. Many of the steel plants have outdated technology. We can greatly improve our performance by adapting the following measures:
(a) Modernizing the technology and machinery.
(b) Streamlining supply of inputs such as iron ore coke etc.
(c) Having adequate buffer of electricity capacity. (d) Streamlining customer demand and supplies.
5. How is mining activity hazardous? Explain. [CBSE 2016]
OR How is the mining activity injurious to the health of the miners and environment? Explain. [Delhi 2015]
OR “Mining affects health and environment both.” Comment. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. The mining activity is injurious to the health of the miners and environment as:
(i) The dust and noxious fumes inhaled by miners make them vulnerable to pulmonary diseases.
(ii) The risk of collapsing mine roofs.
(iii) Inundation on coalmines are a constant threat to miners.
(iv) The water sources in the region get contaminated due to mining.
(v) Dumping of waste and slurry leads to degradation of land, soil and increase in stream and river pollution.
6. 27. Why is mica considered the most important mineral in electric and electronic industries? Give three reasons. [CBSE 2016]
OR How is mica one of the most indispensable minerals? Explain any three points. [CBSE 2011]
Answer:
7. Which are the two main minerals used to obtain nuclear energy? Name any two states where these minerals are found. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Nuclear or atomic energy is obtained by altering the structure of an atom; When such an alteration is made, much energy is released in the form of heat and this is used to generate electric power.
(i) Uranium and Thorium are used for generating atomic or nuclear power.
(ii) They are available in Jharkhand and Rajasthan.
8. Describe any three features of ferrous minerals found in India. (Foreign 2015)
Ans. Ferrous minerals in India account for approximately three-fourths of the total price of the production of metallic minerals. They provide a strong foundation for the expansion of metallurgical industries. India is also a leading exporter of ferrous minerals, magnetite, hematite are some of the common ferrous minerals. Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra are the chief states where these minerals are found.
9. “How is geo-thermal energy produced? Explain. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The earth grows progressively hotter with increasing depth. Where the geothermal gradient is high, high temperatures are found at shallow depths. Groundwater in such areas absorbs heat from the rocks and becomes hot.
It is so hot that when it rises to the earth’s surface, it turns into steam. This steam is used to drive turbines to generate electricity.
10. Name the non-metallic mineral which can split easily into thin sheets. Mention its uses. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Mica is the non-metallic mineral which can be split easily into thin sheets. Mica is used in:
(i) Electric and electronic industries: Mica is used in these industries due to its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, insulating properties and resistance to high voltage.
(ii) Plastic industry uses mica as an extender and filler.
11. Why is energy required for all activities? How can energy be generated? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. (i) Energy is a basic requirement for economic development.
(ii) Every sector ofthe national economy needs input of energy.
(iii) Consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country.
(iv) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortage have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.
(v) Energy can be generated from fuel minerals like coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium and from electricity
12. What are the two main ways of generating electricity? How are they different from each other? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Ans.
13. “Natural gas is considered an environment friendly fuel.” Explain the statement in two points. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Natural gas is used as a source of energy as well as an industrial raw material.
(i) It can be transported easily through pipelines.
(ii) Pipelines have helped in setting up fertilizer plants and power plants on its way.
(iii) Natural gas is a clean source of energy.
(iv) It is an environment friendly fuel because of the low carbon emission.
14. Differentiate between metallic and non-metallic minerals with examples. (Delhi 2013)
Ans. Metallic Minerals:
- (a) Metallic minerals are those minerals which can be processed to obtain metals.
- (b) Magnetite, hematite, bauxite, are some examples.
- (c) These are generally associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- (d) They are usually hard and have shines or lustre of their own.
Non-Metallic Minerals:
- (a) Non-metallic minerals are those which do not yield new products on melting.
- (b) Coal, salt, clay, marble are some examples.
- (c) These are generally associated with sedimentary rocks.
- (d) They are not so hard and have no shine or luster of their own
15. Name the mineral ore from which aluminium is extracted. Why is it gaining importance? Give its distribution in India. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Aluminium is extracted from Bauxite.
Aluminium is gaining importance because of its extreme lightness, good conductivity and great malleability. It combines the strength of metals such as Iron.
It is mainly found in Amarkantak Plateau, Maikal Hills and the plateau region of Bilaspur-Katni. Koraput district in Odisha has large deposits. Odisha is the largest bauxite producing state. Others are Gujarat, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
16. Explain any three different forms in which minerals generally occur. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. (i) Minerals occur in the form of veins and lodes (In igneous and metamorphic rocks).
(ii) In sedimentary rocks, a number of minerals occur in beds and layers.
(iii) As residual mass of weathered material.
(iv) As alluvial deposits in ocean waters.
17. Describe any three important uses of coal as a source of energy. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Importance of coal as a source of energy in India are:
(i) Coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India.
(ii) It provides a substantial part of the nation’s energy needs.
(iii) It is used for power generation.
(iv) It supplies energy to industry as well as for domestic needs.
18. Why is it essential to use renewable sources of energy? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. (i) Non-renewable sources are going to exhaust such as coal, petrol, natural gas etc. They can cause environmental pollution therefore; we have to use’ renewable resources.
(ii) India has abundance of solar energy, wind, water and biomass.
(iii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their shortage have raised uncertainties about energy resources in the future
19. Explain three factors that make mineral extractions commercially viable. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. (i) The minerals content of the ore must be in sufficient concentration.
(ii) The type of formation or structure in which they are found determines the relative cases with which mineral ores may be mined.
(iii) The mineral should be close to the market so that the transportation cost is low
20. What are the uses of copper? Name the two leading copper producing states of India. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Uses of copper:
(i) In manufacturing electrical cables.
(ii) In electronic industries.
(iii) In chemical industries.
The two leading copper producing states of India are Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
21. What are ‘placer deposits’? Give examples of minerals found in such deposits. [CBSE 2010]
Ans. (i) Certain minerals may occur as alluvial deposits in sands of valley floors and base of hills. These deposits are called ‘placer deposits’.
(ii) They generally contain minerals which are not corroded by water.
(iii) Gold, silver, tin and platinum are examples of some important minerals found in ‘placer deposits’.
22. “Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives”. Support this statement with examples. (2020)
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 shop, all are made from minerals.
(ii) The railway lines and the tarmac (paving) of the roads, our implements and machinery too are made from minerals.
(iii) Cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes 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, religious and ceremonial rites
23. ‘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. (AI 2016)
Ans. Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. The strategy of economic development that India adopted since independence required increasing amount of energy consumption. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been rising. To take care of this concern various measures that need to be adopted are as follows.
(i) We need to increase the use of renewable energy resources like solar, wind power, biogas, tidal energy and geothermal energy. This will decrease the dependence on non-renewable sources.
(ii) We have to adopt a cautious approach for judicious use of our limited energy resources. For example, as a concerned citizen we can use public transport system in place of individual vehicle.
(iii) Another measure that needs to be adopted is promotion of energy conservation, e.g., switching off electrical devices when not in use, using power saving devices etc.
24. “There is a pressing need to use renewable energy resources.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments. (Term-II 2016)
Ans. Need to use renewable energy resources are :
(i) The growing consumption of energy has resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
(ii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.
(iii) Has serious repercussions on the growth of our country.
(iv) Hence, there is a pressing need to use renewable energy source like solar energy, wind, tide, biomass and energy from waste material.
25. How is the mining activity injurious to the health of the miners and environment? Explain. (Delhi 2015)
Ans. The mining activity is injurious to the health of the miners and environment as:
(a) The dust and toxic fumes can cause pulmonary disease to the miners.
(b) The roofs and walls of the mines have a risk of collapsing.
(c) Flooding or fire are a great risk in mines.
(d) The water bodies in the region get contaminated by mineral dust.
(e) Dumping of waste and slurry degrades the land.
26. “Natural gas is considered an environment friendly fuel.” Explain the statement in two points. (Term-II 2015)
Ans. Natural gas is used as a source of energy as well as an industrial raw material.
(i) It can be transported easily through pipelines.
(ii) Pipelines have helped in setting up fertilizer plants and power plants on its way.
(iii) Natural gas is a clean source of energy. This is because it causes very less pollution.
27. How is geo-thermal energy produced? Explain. (Term-II 2015)
Ans. The Earth grows progressively hotter with increasing depth. Where the geothermal gradient is high, high temperatures are found at shallow depths. Groundwater in such areas absorbs heat from the rocks and becomes hot.
It is so hot that when it rises to the earth’s surface it turns into steam. This steam is used to drive turbines and generate electricity.
28. How can biogas solve the energy problem mainly in rural India? Give your suggestions. (Term-II 2015)
Ans. Biogas can solve energy problem:
(i) Availability of raw material is not a problem.
(ii) Awareness to be created about biogas.
(iii) It will reduce the burden on conventional sources of energy.
(iv) Educate the rural people about the use of biogas.
(v) It is a renewable source of energy. (vi) Eco-friendly.
29. Why is energy required for all activities? How can energy by generated? Explain. (Delhi 2014)
Ans. (i) Energy is a basic requirement for economic development.
(ii) Every sector of the national economy needs input of energy.
(iii) Consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country.
(iv) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortage have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future. Energy can be generated from fuel minerals like coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium and from electricity
30. Why is conservation of minerals important? How can we conserve minerals? (Term-II 2014)
Ans. Conservation of minerals is important for the following reasons.
(i) Minerals are exhaustible.
(ii) They are limited in availability.
(iii) Minerals have manifold uses.
(iv) Growth of industrialisation has accelerated the extraction of minerals. We can conserve minerals by making an efficient use of them and using recyclable sources of energy wherever possible.
31. Describe any three non-conventional sources of energy. (Term-II 2012)
Ans. Non-conventional sources of energy are :
(i) Solar Energy : India is a tropical country. It has enormous possibilities of trapping solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar energy is quickly becoming popular in rural and remote areas.
(ii) Wind Energy : India now ranks as a ‘wind super power’ in the world. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Lakshadweep have important wind farms. Nagericoil and Jaisalmer are well-known for effective use of wind energy in the country.
(iii) Biogas: Shrubs, farm waste, animal and human waste are used to produce biogas for domestic consumption in rural areas. Biogas plants using cattle dung are known as ‘Gobar Gas Plants’ in rural India. These provide twin benefits to the farmer in the form of energy and improved quality of manure.
32. Which are the potential sources of biogas? State any four benefits of biogas. (Term-II 2012)
Ans. Potential sources of biogas are :
Shrubs, farm wastes, animal human waste, etc.
Four benefits of biogas are :
(i) Its calorific value is high.
(ii) It burns without smoke, causing no pollution.
(iii) It is the cheapest gaseous fuel.
(iv) Its plants provide twin benefits to the farmer in the form of energy and improved quality of manure.
33. “India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt cautious approaches for the judicious use of our limited energy resources.” Analyse these statements. (Term-II 2012)
Ans. The statement is right to a great extent. Therefore, we need to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of energy resources. We should –
i) Use public transport system.
(ii) Switch off electricity when not needed.
(iii) Use power saving devices.
(iv) Use non-conventional sources of energy.
34. Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Explain any four ways to conserve mineral resources. (AI 2017) OR. Explain the importance of conservation of minerals. Highlight any three measures to conserve them. (AI 2016)
Ans. Reasons for Conservation:
(i) The strong dependence of industry and agriculture upon minerals.
(ii) The process of mineral formation is slow.
(iii) They are non-renewable.
Methods to conserve:
(i) Minerals should be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
(ii) Improved technology needs to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ore at low cost.
(iii) Recycling of metals using scrap metals.
(iv) Wastage in the mining and processing should be minimised
Conservation of minerals is the need of the hour:
(i) Minerals are considered to be the backbone of the economy.
(ii) Industry largely depends on mineral deposits.
(iii) Total volume of workable mineral deposits is very less-only 1% of the earth’s crust.
(iv) Mineral resources are being consumed rapidly, and minerals deposits need millions of years to be created and concentrated.
(v) The geological process of mineral formation is so slow that the rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of consumption.
(vi) Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
(vii) The rich mineral deposits of our country are extremely valuable but shorts-lived possessions.
35. ‘Energy saved is energy produced.’ Assess the statement. (SQP 2020, Board 2017)
Ans. Energy saved is energy produced: India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt a cautious approach for judicious use of our limited energy resources. For example:
(i) As concerned citizens we can do our bit by using 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) After all “energy saved is energy produced”
Another Answer:
“Energy saved is energy produced”.
(i) Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy.
(ii) India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world.
(iii) We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources.
(iv) Using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles.
(v) Switching off electricity when not in use.
(vi) Using power-saving devices and using nonconventional sources of energy.
36. Why should we use renewable energy resource? Explain with arguments. (Foreign 2017)
Ans. Need to use renewable energy resources are :
(i) The growing consumption of energy has resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
(ii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.
(iii) Has serious repercussions on the growth of our country.
(iv) Hence, there is a pressing need to use renewable energy source like solar energy, wind, tide, biomass and energy from waste material.
37. 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? (2016)
Ans. Twin planks/measures: Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy.
(i) Promotion of energy conservation.
(ii) Increased use of renewable energy sources.
As concerned citizens, we can do following:
(i) Using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles.
(ii) Switching off electricity when not in use.
(iii) Using power–saving devices.
(iv) Using non-conventional sources of energy.
38. Highlight the importance of petroleum. Explain the occurrence of petroleum in India. (Delhi 2016)
Ans. Importance of Petroleum are as follows:
(i) Petroleum is the major energy source in India.
(ii) It provides fuel for heat and lighting.
(iii) It provides lubricant for machinery.
(iv) It provides raw material for a number of manufacturing industries.
(v) Petroleum refineries act as core industry for synthetic, textile, fertilizer and chemical industries.
Availability:
(i) Most of the petroleum reserves in India are associated with anticlines and fault traps.
(ii) In regions of folding anticline or domes, it occurs where oil is trapped in the crust of the upfold.
(iii) Petroleum is also found in fault traps between porous and non-porous rocks
39. How can solar energy solve the energy problem to some extent in India? Give your opinion. (Term-II 2015) OR. Why is solar energy fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas of India? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. (i) India is a tropical country, therefore it receives sunlight in abundance throughout the year.
(ii) Solar plant can be easily established in rural and remote areas.
(iii) It will minimise the dependence of rural households on firewood and dung cakes which in turn will contribute to environmental conservation and adequate quantity of manure.
(iv) Solar energy is an important alternate source. Use of solar energy will reduce the pressure on conventional sources of energy.
