Chapter 5- Minerals and Energy Resources
1. (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
(ii) What is a mineral?
(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Answer
(i) (a)
Ferrous minerals:-
Metallic minerals which contain iron are called ferrous minerals, e.g. iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.
Non-ferrous minerals:-
Metallic minerals which do not contain iron are called non-ferrous minerals, e.g. copper, bauxite, tin, etc.
(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.
3. Answer the following questions.
(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.
(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Answer
• 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.
(ii) Solar energy has a bright future in India because “
Save 50% On Your Order Today Cosf-efficient. Painless. Easy to Use. Apply everyday with no irritation. 50% Off Today.
• 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.
Question-1
Distinguish between the following
(a) Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
(b) Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Solution:
(a) Ferrous Minerals:
Ferrous minerals account for about three-fourths of the total value of the production of metallic minerals. They provide a strong base for the development of metallurgical industries. India exports substantial quantities of ferrous minerals after meeting her internal demands.
(b) Non-ferrous Minerals:
India’s reserves and production of non- ferrous minerals is not very satisfactory. However, these minerals, which include copper, bauxite, lead, zinc, and gold, play a vital role in a number of metallurgical, engineering, and electrical industries. Let us study the distribution of copper and bauxite.
Conventional Sources of Energy:
* Conventional source of energy has been used since the early times.
* Coal, Petroleum, natural gas, hydroelectricity, thermal power are the source of energy.
* All conventional sources of energy except hydro-electricity are exhaustible.
* These sources cause environmental pollution.
* These sources require huge capital.
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy:
* Non- the conventional sources of energy have come into use only recently.
* Wind energy, solar energy, tidal energy, geothermal, biogas are examples of these sources of energy.
* Most of the non- conventional sources of energy are inexhaustible.
* These sources do not cause environmental pollution.
* Small amount of money is sufficient to have these sources.
Question-2
What is a mineral?
Solution:
Geologists define a mineral as a “homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure.” Minerals are found in varied forms in nature, ranging from the hardest diamond to the softest one. Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives. Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to a towering building or a big ship, all are made from minerals. The railway lines and the tarmac (paving) of the roads, our implements and machinery too are made from minerals. Cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from the earth. Even the food that we eat contains minerals. In all stages of development, human beings have used minerals for their livelihood, decoration, festivities, religious and ceremonial rites.
Question-3
How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Solution:
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. 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.
Question-4
How do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Solution:
In order to conserve mineral resources, we must see to that our consumption of minerals does not increase our wants. We must remember that these resources are one of the greatest gifts of God and we must use these in such a manner that our future generations also enjoy this gift.
Question-5
Describe the distribution of coal in India.
Solution:
In India coal occurs in rock series of two main geological ages, namely Gondwana, a little over 200 million years in age and in tertiary deposits which are only about 55 million years old. The major resources of Gondwana coal, which are metallurgical coal, are located in Damodar valley (West Bengal-Jharkhand). Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro are important coalfields. The Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys also contain coal deposits. Tertiary coals occur in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Jharkhand is the largest producer where Jharia, Bokaro, karampur , Palamu are the major coalfields. In West Bengal, Raniganj, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling are the coalfields. Sarguja, Bilaspur, Raigarh and Bastar districts are coal fields found in Chhatisgarh. M.P. has coal fields in Chinaware district and in Maharashtra, Chanda is the main field.
Question-6
Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Solution:
Solar energy has a bright future in India because
* India is blessed with plenty of solar energy because most parts of the country receives a bright monsoon period.
* India has developed technology to use solar energy for cooking, water heating, space heating, crop drying, etc.
* It is an abundant, inexhaustible, and universal source of energy.
* India is a tropical country.
* It is pollution-free.
Question-7
Describe the impact of globalisation on Indian agriculture.
Solution:
Globalization is the new trend in the world scenario, which aims at integrating our economy with that of the world:
* Its aim is to be realised within a certain time frame.
* It is based on free and open international trade.
* It ensures that only quality and competitive goods would survive the world market.
Impact
* Indian farmers now are exposed to a new industrial environment. They would have to compete with other farmers of other countries in producing quality and competitive goods.
* With the use of favourable climatic conditions and soil conditions, improved and new implements, efficient labor we would have to produce goods, which could complete in the world markets.
* India would need the technologies being used by foreign countries. Infrastructure like the development of roads, electricity, irrigation, and credit facilities will have to be developed.