Minerals and Energy Resources
1. Define the term ‘mineral’.
Ans. Geologists define mineral as a “homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a
definable internal structure.” They have physical and chemical properties by which they
can be identified.
2. Differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals.
Ans.
Non-ferrous
Ferrous minerals
minerals
i. Minerals have iron i. Minerals do not
content. have iron content.
ii. They play an
ii. They have in the
important role in a
development of
number of
metallurgical
Engineering and
industries.
electrical industries.
iii. Example: iron ore, iii. Example: lead,
manganese, etc. zinc, gold, etc
3. Distinguish between Metallic minerals and Non-metallic minerals.
Ans.
Non-metallic
Metallic minerals
minerals
i. Metallic minerals i. Non-metallic
are those which minerals are those
provide metal after which do not provide
processing such as metals such as mica,
iron, copper, potash, coal,
aluminium, etc. limestone, etc.
ii. They are often ii. They are not so
hard. hard.
iii. They are generally iii. They are generally
associated with associated with
igneous rocks. sedimentary rocks.
iv. They have a luster iv. They do not have
or shine of their own. a shine.
v. They are not
v. They are ductile
ductile and
and malleable.
malleable.
4. Why should we conserve minerals? Suggest three ways to conserve minerals.
Ans. We need to conserve minerals because:
• The strong dependence of industry and agriculture upon mineral deposits and
the substances manufactured from them.
• The geological processes of mineral formation are very slow.
• Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
• Continued extraction of ores leads to increasing costs as mineral extraction
comes from greater depths along with a decrease in quality.
Ways to conserve minerals:
• A concerted effort has to be made in order to use mineral resources in a planned
and sustainable manner.
• Improved technologies need to be constantly evolved to allow the use of low-
grade ores at low costs.
• Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes.
5. There is a pressing need to use non-conventional energy sources in
India.’ Analyze the statement with reasons.
Ans. There is a pressing need to use non-conventional sources of energy in India:
• Because of the growing consumption of energy, the country is becoming
increasingly dependent on fossil fuels.
• Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages have raised uncertainties
about the security of the energy supply in the future.
• These can have serious repercussions on the growth of the national economy.
• Increasing the use of fossil fuels also causes environmental problems.
6. Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? Mention its different
forms.
Ans: The most abundantly available fossil fuel in India is coal. Coal is used as a
domestic
fuel for generation of thermal power and to supply energy to industries.
The following points show the importance of different types of coal.
• Lignite: It is a low-grade brown coal, which is soft and has a high moisture
content. It is used for generation of electricity.
• Bituminous: The most popular variety of commercial and metallurgical coal is
bituminous. It is formed due to high temperature deep in the interior. It has a
special value in smelting of iron in blast furnaces.
• Anthracite: The highest quality of hard coal is known as Anthracite. It has the
highest content of carbon and is mainly used for power generation in metallurgy.
7. Why is solar energy fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas of India?
Explain.
Ans: Solar energy is fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas of India
because of the following reasons.
• It is one of the best forms of non-conventional sources of energy.
• It is not very expensive to install photovoltaic technology which converts solar light into
solar energy.
Tapping solar energy will reduce the dependence of dung cakes and will provide adequate
manure for agricultureI.
8.Why is there a pressing need to use renewable energy resources in India? Explain any
five reasons.
Ans:The given statement can be justified by the following arguments.
• Increased consumption of energy resources has increased our dependence on
fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
• There are uncertainties about the energy supplies in future because of their
potential shortages.
• Use of non-renewable sources have serious consequences on the growth of
national economy as they are getting expensive day by day.
• Above all, non-renewable sources pose a great threat in the form of pollution and
other environmental issues.
• Solar, wind, tide, biomass and energy from waste material can thus, be proved
advantageous in long run.
