Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
Which one of the following minerals is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?
- coal
- bauxite
- gold
- zinc
Answer
bauxite
Question 2
Koderma in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?
- bauxite
- mica
- iron ore
- copper
Answer
mica
Question 3
Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the stratas of which of the following rocks?
- sedimentary rocks
- igneous rocks
- metamorphic rocks
- none of the above
Answer
sedimentary rocks
Question 4
Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?
- oil
- uranium
- thorium
- coal
Answer
thorium
Answer in about 30 words
Question 1
Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.
(a) ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
(b) conventional and non-conventional sources of energy
Answer
(a) Differences between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals:
| S. No. | Ferrous minerals | Non-ferrous minerals |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | They contain iron. | They do not contain iron. |
| 2. | They are mainly used in building and construction industry. | They are mainly used in electrical and automobile industry. |
| 3. | E.g., Manganese, Nickle, Cobalt | E.g., Bauxite, Copper |
(b) Differences between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy:
| Sl. No | Conventional sources of energy | Non-conventional sources of energy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | They are non-renewable. | They are renewable. |
| 2. | They cause pollution. | They are non-polluting. |
| 3. | They have been in use from a long time. | Technologies to use these sources have been recently developed or is still developing. |
| 3. | E.g., Coal, natural gas. | E.g., Solar energy, Wind energy |
Question 2
What is a mineral?
Answer
Homogenous, naturally occurring substance with a definable internal structure and specific chemical composition is called a mineral. They form the earth's crust. Rocks are combination of minerals.
Question 3
How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
Answer
In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals are formed when substances in liquid/molten and gaseous forms are forced upward through cavities towards the earth's surface. They cool and solidify as they rise and get deposited in the cracks, crevices, faults or joints of these rocks.
Question 4
Why do we need to conserve mineral resources ?
Answer
Mineral resources are limited on earth. If we continue to extract mineral at the same pace as we are doing now, they will soon exhaust. Therefore, we need to conserve mineral resources.
Answer in about 120 words
Question 1
Describe the distribution of coal in India.
Answer
Gondwana coal is found in India in following regions:
- Neyveli (Tamil Nadu)
- Damodar valley (West Bengal- Jharkhand)
- Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro
- Godavari and Mahanadi Valleys
- Son and Wardha Valley
Tertiary coal is found in India in following regions:
- Meghalaya
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
Question 2
Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Answer
Solar energy has a bright future in India because:
- India is a tropical country. Most parts of the country have 300 clear sunny days in a year. This provides enormous possibilities of tapping Solar energy.
- Solar energy can enhance India's energy security by reducing its dependence on fossil fuel imports to meet its growing energy needs.
- Solar energy is clean and renewable source of energy.
- The cost of solar panels and associated technologies has been steadily declining, making solar energy increasingly affordable.
- Solar energy is gaining popularity in rural and remote areas.
- Solar energy will replace firewood and dung cakes in rural areas, conserving the environment and ensuring adequate supply of dung cake based manure for agriculture.