Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter-5: Minerals and Energy Resources, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
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 strata 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 Monazite sand?
a) Oil
b) Uranium
c) Thorium
d) Coal
Answer: c) Thorium
Short Answer Questions (30 words)
(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words:
(a) Ferrous and nonferrous minerals
- Ferrous minerals: Contain iron, e.g., iron ore, manganese.
- Nonferrous minerals: Do not contain iron, e.g., copper, bauxite.
(b) Conventional and nonconventional sources of energy
- Conventional energy: Includes coal, petroleum, and natural gas; exhaustible and widely used.
- Nonconventional energy: Includes solar, wind, and tidal energy; renewable and eco friendly.
(ii) What is a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous substance with a definite chemical composition and internal structure, such as iron, copper, and mica.
(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in cracks, faults, or cavities, forming veins or lodes through cooling and solidification of molten material.
(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Minerals are nonrenewable resources that require millions of years to form. Conservation ensures their availability for future generations and minimizes environmental damage.
Long Answer Questions (120 words)
(i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.
In India, coal is primarily found in two geological formations: Gondwana coalfields (over 200 million years old) and Tertiary coalfields (around 55 million years old). Major Gondwana coalfields are in the Damodar Valley (Jharkhand and West Bengal), including Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro. Other coal deposits are found in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. Tertiary coalfields are located in the Northeastern states such as Meghalaya and Assam. These coals are used in industries, power plants, and households.
(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
India, being a tropical country, receives ample sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy a viable energy source. It is eco friendly, renewable, and helps reduce dependency on fossil fuels. With government initiatives like the National Solar Mission and growing investments in solar infrastructure, solar power can cater to rural electrification and reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, advancements in photovoltaic technology will further enhance the potential of solar energy in India.
Other Important Short answer Type Questions
Here are important short answer type questions and answers based on Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources from the NCERT Class 10 Geography textbook. These questions are designed for both Class 10 board exams and UPSC prelims, covering crucial topics other than those listed in the textbook exercises.
1. What is a mineral, and how is it classified?
Answer: A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition and internal structure. Minerals are classified into metallic (e.g., iron, copper) and nonmetallic (e.g., limestone, mica). Metallic minerals are further divided into ferrous and nonferrous categories.
2. What are the different modes of occurrence of minerals?
Answer: Minerals occur in various forms:
- Veins and lodes: Found in igneous and metamorphic rocks (e.g., copper, zinc).
- Beds or layers: Found in sedimentary rocks (e.g., coal, gypsum).
- Residual deposits: Left after rock decomposition (e.g., bauxite).
- Placer deposits: Found in river beds (e.g., gold, platinum).
- Ocean waters: Contain minerals like magnesium and salt.
3. What is RatHole Mining, and why is it banned?
Answer: Rathole mining is a primitive method of mining, where small tunnels are dug to extract minerals like coal. It is practiced mainly in Meghalaya. It has been banned by the National Green Tribunal due to its hazardous working conditions and environmental damage.
4. Differentiate between ferrous and nonferrous minerals.
Answer:
- Ferrous minerals: Contain iron (e.g., iron ore, manganese) and are essential for the steel industry.
- Nonferrous minerals: Do not contain iron (e.g., copper, bauxite) and are used in industries like electrical and chemical.
5. What are the major iron ore belts in India?
Answer: The major iron ore belts in India are:
- OdishaJharkhand belt: Found in Mayurbhanj and Singhbhum districts.
- DurgBastarChandrapur belt: Found in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.
- BellaryChitradurga belt: Located in Karnataka.
- MaharashtraGoa belt: Found in Ratnagiri and Goa.
6. What are the main uses of manganese?
Answer: Manganese is primarily used in:
- Steel production: About 10 kg of manganese is needed for producing one tonne of steel.
- Manufacturing chemicals: Used to make bleaching powder and insecticides.
- Battery production: A key component in dry cell batteries.
7. Why is aluminum preferred over other metals?
Answer: Aluminum is preferred because it combines strength with lightness, is a good conductor of electricity, and is highly malleable. It is widely used in the transport and packaging industries.
8. What are the environmental hazards of mining?
Answer: Mining causes air and water pollution, land degradation, and health hazards for workers. It can lead to deforestation and contamination of water bodies due to the dumping of waste.
9. What are the benefits of using nonconventional sources of energy?
Answer: Non Conventional energy sources like solar, wind, and biogas are renewable, eco friendly, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. They also help in mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
10. What is geothermal energy? Name the projects in India.
Answer: Geothermal energy is derived from the heat inside the earth. In India, experimental geothermal projects are located in Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) and Puga Valley (Ladakh).
11. What role does the Kudremukh iron ore mine play in India’s economy?
Answer: The Kudremukh mine in Karnataka is a major iron ore export unit. The mined ore is transported as slurry to the Mangaluru port and exported to countries like Japan and South Korea.
12. Why is conservation of minerals necessary?
Answer: Minerals are nonrenewable and take millions of years to form. Excessive extraction depletes reserves, increases costs, and harms the environment. Conservation through recycling and efficient usage is essential for sustainable development.
13. What are the main uses of natural gas in India?
Answer: Natural gas is used as:
- Fuel for electricity generation
- Cooking gas (PNG) and transport fuel (CNG)
- Raw material in fertilizer and petrochemical industries
14. What is the significance of Mumbai High?
Answer: Mumbai High is India’s largest offshore oil field. It plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s petroleum needs and supports the petrochemical industry.
15. Explain the concept of a ‘Nodal Industry.’ Give an example.
Answer: A nodal industry is one that supports the development of other industries by providing essential raw materials. For example, petroleum refineries supply inputs to synthetic textile, fertilizer, and chemical industries.
16. What is meant by tidal energy, and where is it used in India?
Answer: Tidal energy is generated using the movement of ocean tides. In India, it has potential in the Gulf of Khambhat and the Sunderbans.
17. Why does India focus on solar energy?
Answer: India, being a tropical country, receives abundant sunlight. Solar energy is eco friendly, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and is especially useful in rural areas with limited electricity access.
18. What are the main components of biogas?
Answer: Biogas mainly contains methane and carbon dioxide. It is produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and is used for cooking and electricity generation.
19. What is lignite, and where is it found in India?
Answer: Lignite is a low grade brown coal with high moisture content. In India, it is mainly found in the Neyveli region of Tamil Nadu.
20. What steps has the Indian government taken to promote energy conservation?
Answer: The government promotes:
- Use of energy efficient appliances
- Awareness campaigns on energy conservation
- Increased focus on renewable energy sources
- Programs like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) for industries
MCQs: Minerals and Energy Resources
Here are 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) with answers based on Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources from the NCERT Class 10 Geography textbook. These questions align with themes commonly seen in previous years’ Class 10 exams and UPSC prelims.
MCQs on Minerals and Energy Resources (NCERT Class 10, Chapter 5)
1. What is an ore?
a) A rock containing a high concentration of a single mineral
b) A naturally occurring solid with no commercial value
c) A metal alloy made from multiple minerals
d) An accumulation of minerals mixed with other elements
Answer: d) An accumulation of minerals mixed with other elements
2. What type of minerals occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
a) Placer deposits
b) Minerals in veins and lodes
c) Residual deposits
d) Evaporative minerals
Answer: b) Minerals in veins and lodes
3. Which of the following minerals is formed by the decomposition of surface rocks?
a) Iron ore
b) Bauxite
c) Gold
d) Mica
Answer: b) Bauxite
4. What is the primary use of manganese?
a) Manufacture of fertilizers
b) Production of bleaching powder
c) Alloying in steel production
d) Generation of electricity
Answer: c) Alloying in steel production
5. Which of the following minerals is extracted from Monazite sands?
a) Thorium
b) Uranium
c) Zinc
d) Copper
Answer: a) Thorium
6. Which state is the leading producer of Bauxite in India?
a) Karnataka
b) Odisha
c) Gujarat
d) Maharashtra
Answer: b) Odisha
7. Which type of mining is common in Meghalaya and involves narrow tunnels?
a) Open Pit mining
b) Quarrying
c) Rat Hole mining
d) Hydraulic mining
Answer: c) Rat Hole mining
8. Which mineral is essential for the electrical and electronics industries due to its insulating properties?
a) Iron ore
b) Bauxite
c) Mica
d) Limestone
Answer: c) Mica
9. What is the major nonferrous mineral mined in Khetri, Rajasthan?
a) Copper
b) Zinc
c) Bauxite
d) Lead
Answer: a) Copper
10. Which coal type has the highest carbon content and heating capacity?
a) Lignite
b) Bituminous
c) Peat
d) Anthracite
Answer: d) Anthracite
11. In which geological age are the Gondwana coal deposits found?
a) Precambrian
b) Tertiary
c) Jurassic
d) Carboniferous
Answer: d) Carboniferous
12. Which state has significant deposits of lignite coal used for power generation?
a) West Bengal
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Jharkhand
d) Chhattisgarh
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu
13. Which type of power plant uses uranium and thorium?
a) Hydropower
b) Thermal power
c) Nuclear power
d) Wind energy
Answer: c) Nuclear power
14. Which river basin contains major reserves of natural gas on India’s eastern coast?
a) Godavari basin
b) Narmada basin
c) Damodar valley
d) Krishna basin
Answer: a) Godavari basin
15. Where is the largest cluster of wind farms in India located?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Gujarat
c) Rajasthan
d) Maharashtra
Answer: a) Tamil Nadu
16. Which energy source converts sunlight directly into electricity?
a) Nuclear energy
b) Thermal energy
c) Photovoltaic solar energy
d) Tidal energy
Answer: c) Photovoltaic solar energy
17. Which of the following is an example of a nonrenewable energy resource?
a) Wind energy
b) Solar energy
c) Natural gas
d) Biomass energy
Answer: c) Natural gas
18. Which mineral is the basic raw material for the cement industry?
a) Limestone
b) Bauxite
c) Mica
d) Copper
Answer: a) Limestone
19. What is the environmental hazard associated with coal mining?
a) Ozone depletion
b) Oil spills
c) Acid rain
d) Land degradation and air pollution
Answer: d) Land degradation and air pollution
20. What is the primary reason for promoting biogas in rural areas?
a) To replace coal in industrial plants
b) To provide renewable manure and fuel
c) To reduce solar dependency
d) To generate hydropower
Answer: b) To provide renewable manure and fuel
Other Chapter
| Chapter 1:- Resources and Development | Chapter 2:- Forest and Wildlife Resources |
| Chapter 3:- Water Resources | Chapter 4:- Agriculture |
| Chapter 6:- Manufacturing Industries | Chapter 7:- Lifeline of National Economy |
