Analyze India’s mineral resources,
energy sources, and the need
for mineral resource conservation
and sustainable energy use.
Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources
Class 10 NCERT Geography: Contemporary India-II |
Questions Answers
Updated for 2024-2025 Exams
Q.1(i) Which one of the following minerals is formed by
decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?
Ans. (b) Bauxite
Q.1(ii) Koderma, in Jharkhand is the leading producer of
which one of the following minerals?
Ans. (b) Mica
Q.1(iii) Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the
strata of which of the following rocks?
Ans. (a) Sedimentary rocks
Q.1(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in
the Monazite sand?
Ans. (c) Thorium
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Q.2(i)(a) Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous
minerals.
Ans. Ferrous minerals contain iron, e.g., iron ore,
manganese. Non-ferrous minerals do not contain iron, e.g., copper, bauxite.
Q.2(i)(b) Distinguish between conventional and
non-conventional sources of energy.
Ans. Conventional energy sources include coal, petroleum,
and natural gas, which are non-renewable. Non-conventional sources include
solar, wind, and geothermal energy, which are renewable and environmentally
friendly.
Q.2(ii) What is a mineral?
Ans. A mineral is a naturally occurring, homogeneous
substance with a definite chemical composition and internal structure. Minerals
are found in various forms like metallic and non-metallic.
Q.2(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic
rocks?
Ans. In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in
cracks, crevices, faults, or joints. When molten minerals rise towards the
earth’s surface, they cool and solidify in these spaces.
Q.2(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Ans. Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
Continued extraction leads to depletion, increased costs, and environmental
damage. Conservation ensures sustainable use for future generations.
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Q.3(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.
Ans. In India, coal is mainly found in two geological
formations: Gondwana coal and Tertiary coal. Gondwana coal, over 200 million
years old, is found in Damodar Valley (West Bengal-Jharkhand) with important
coalfields like Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro. Other significant deposits are in
Godavari, Mahanadi, and Wardha valleys. Tertiary coal, about 55 million years
old, is found in Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Q.3(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright
future in India?
Ans. Solar energy has a bright future in India due to the
country’s tropical location, receiving abundant sunlight throughout the year.
Photovoltaic technology converts solar energy into electricity, and with rising
concerns over fossil fuel depletion and environmental issues, solar energy is a
clean, renewable, and sustainable alternative. Additionally, solar energy helps
rural and remote areas reduce dependence on conventional energy sources like
firewood and dung cakes, promoting environmental conservation.
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Activity
Fill the name of the correct mineral in the crossword below:
DOWN
1. Found in placer deposit (4): Gold
2. Iron ore mined in Bailadila (8): Hematite
3. Indispensable for electrical industry (4): Mica
4. Geological Age of coal found in north-east India (8):
Tertiary
5. Formed in veins and lodes (3): Tin
ACROSS
1. A ferrous mineral (9): Manganese
2. Raw material for cement industry (9): Limestone
3. Finest iron ore with magnetic properties (9):
Magnetite
4. Highest quality hard coal (10): Anthracite
5. Aluminium is obtained from this ore (7): Bauxite
6. Khetri mines are famous for this mineral (6): Copper
7. Formed due to evaporation (6): Gypsum