Minerals and Energy Resources
1. Multiple choice questions.
(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
Answer: (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
Answer: (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
Answer: (a) sedimentary rocks
(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?
(a) oil
(b) uranium
(c) thorium
(d) coal
Answer: (c) thorium
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.
(a) ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
Answer: Ferrous minerals contain iron and are the basis of metallurgical industries, e.g., iron ore, manganese. Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, e.g., copper, bauxite, lead, zinc, gold.
(b) conventional and non-conventional sources of energy
Answer: Conventional sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydel and thermal power. Non-conventional sources include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas and atomic energy, which are renewable and eco-friendly.
(ii) What is a mineral?
Answer: A mineral is a homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure, found in varied forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest talc.
(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Answer: In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults or joints. Small occurrences are veins and large ones are lodes. Metals like tin, copper, zinc, lead are obtained.
(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources ?
Answer: Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable. Their formation takes millions of years. Over-extraction leads to depletion, rising costs and environmental damage. Conservation ensures sustainable use for future generations.
3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.
(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.
Answer: In India, coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel and meets a substantial part of energy needs. Gondwana coal, over 200 million years old, is metallurgical coal mainly found in the Damodar Valley (West Bengal-Jharkhand) with important coalfields at Jharia, Raniganj and Bokaro. Other deposits occur in the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys. Tertiary coal, about 55 million years old, is found in the north-eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The principal lignite reserves are in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu. Coal is bulky and loses weight on use; therefore, most thermal power stations and heavy industries are located near coalfields.
(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Answer: India is a tropical country and receives abundant sunlight almost throughout the year, offering immense potential for solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, making it highly useful in rural and remote areas. Solar energy reduces dependence on firewood and dung cakes, thus conserving forests and providing manure for agriculture. Large solar power plants are being established in different parts of India, which will meet growing energy demands, reduce fossil fuel dependence and minimize environmental problems. Since solar energy is renewable, inexhaustible, pollution-free, and abundantly available, it holds a bright future as an eco-friendly and sustainable source of power in India.
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