Minerals and Energy Resources — Practice

Question 1

What is a mineral?

Accepted Answer

A naturally occurring, homogeneous substance with a definite chemical composition.

✦ Answer: a natural homogeneous substance of definite composition.

Question 2

Give one example each of a ferrous and a non-ferrous mineral.

Accepted Answer

Ferrous: iron ore (or manganese). Non-ferrous: copper (or bauxite).

✦ Answer: iron ore (ferrous), copper (non-ferrous).

Question 3

Name two non-conventional sources of energy.

Accepted Answer

Solar and wind (also tidal, geothermal, biogas).

✦ Answer: solar and wind.

Question 4

How do minerals occur in sedimentary and alluvial deposits?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — In sedimentary rocks minerals occur in beds/layers formed by deposition (e.g. coal, gypsum).

Step 2 — In alluvial (placer) deposits, non-corroding minerals collect in valley floors/sands (e.g. gold).

✦ Answer: as beds in sedimentary rock and as placers in alluvium.

Question 5

Why is petroleum called 'black gold'?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — It is extremely valuable as fuel for transport and industry.

Step 2 — It is also the raw material for many petrochemicals (plastics, fertilisers).

✦ Answer: for its high value as fuel and petrochemical raw material.

Question 6

Differentiate conventional and non-conventional energy sources.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Conventional: coal, petroleum, gas, thermal — mostly exhaustible and polluting.

Step 2 — Non-conventional: solar, wind, tidal, biogas — renewable and cleaner.

✦ Answer: conventional = exhaustible fossil-based; non-conventional = renewable/clean.

Question 7

Suggest three ways to conserve mineral and energy resources.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Use minerals efficiently and recycle metals (scrap).

Step 2 — Develop substitutes and shift to renewable energy.

Step 3 — Reduce wastage in mining/use and adopt energy-saving habits.

✦ Answer: recycle, use renewables/substitutes, and cut wastage.

Question 8

Why is Rajasthan well suited for solar and wind energy?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — It has abundant clear, sunny days ideal for solar power.

Step 2 — Its open, flat and windy areas suit wind farms.

Step 3 — Large uninhabited land allows big renewable installations.

✦ Answer: clear skies, strong winds and open land make it ideal for solar and wind.

Question 9

Name the two main types of iron ore found in India.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Hematite (high grade, reddish) and magnetite (finest, magnetic).

✦ Answer: hematite and magnetite.

Practice — Minerals and Energy Resources