Question 1

Question 6What are fossil fuels? Why are they also known as energy minerals?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels are formed from the dead and decomposed remains of plants and animals. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are the examples of 'fossil fuels'. These are energy minerals because energy can be generated from these.

Question 2

Question 7Name the major producers of copper in the world. What are its uses?

Accepted Answer

The major producers of copper in the world are — China, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Congo and Zambia.Uses of Copper —It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.It is used in electrical wires, and alloys like bronze and brass.

Question 3

Question 8Mention any two uses of coal.

Accepted Answer

Two uses of Coal are as follows:Coal is used to generate thermal power.A large amount of coal is required in the cement, chemical and steel industries.

Question 4

Question 9Explain, with examples, the two important methods of mining.

Accepted Answer

Mining means extraction of useful minerals. Two important methods of mining are given below:Opencast mining — This is a type of surface mining that is carried out when minerals occur close to the surface. The top layer of the rock and soil is stripped, and the mineral deposit is mined by strip-mining or the open pit method. Manganese, copper and bauxite are mined mostly by this method.Shaft mining — This is a type of underground mining carried out on a large scale, usually for minerals such as coal, which lie at great depths below the ground. Coal mines are dug deep into the earth and a long vertical tunnel or shaft is dug to bring out the minerals to the surface. Miners go deeper into the underground in pulleys to extract the mineral and bring it to the surface.

Question 5

Question 10Mention any three hazards of mining.

Accepted Answer

Three hazards of mining are as follows:Mine dust creates air pollution and its inhalation leads to respiratory diseases.Mine tailings, the mud-like waste material released from mines, may cause water pollution as they are toxic in nature.Heavy metal pollution by harmful minerals such as arsenic, lead and mercury can cause severe health hazards to human beings and marine creatures.

Question 6

Question 11State any three methods of conservation of minerals.

Accepted Answer

Three methods of conservation of minerals are as follows:The principle of three Rs—Recycle, Reuse and Reduce—should be followed. It means reducing wastage of resources by recycling and reusing them.Use renewable substitutes, wherever possible. For example, using hydroelectricity or solar power to reduce consumption of fossil fuels.We need to use minerals judiciously so that we can meet our present needs and at the same time keep enough resources for the growth and development of our future generations.

Question 7

Question 4Open cast mining and underground mining

Accepted Answer

Sl.No.Open cast miningUnderground mining1.Used to extract minerals that are present near the surface of earth.Used to extract minerals that are buried too deep.2.Also known as open pit mining.Also known as sub-surface mining.

Question 8

Question 1Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:Coal is formed from the decomposed remains of plants that remained buried under high heat and pressure over millions of years under beds of sedimentary rocks. This inflammable organic substance is rich in carbon. It produces huge quantities of heat when burnt. Coal has been therefore the source of power in steam engines for long. Since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, coal is also used in the generation of electric power. In the early 20th century, as the steel industries were run on coal fired furnaces, they were, therefore, primarily located near coal mines. The thermal power stations used coal to generate electricity, which was supplied to domestic and industrial sectors. Thus, coal, also called the black gold, came to be the backbone of industrial growth.How is coal formed?Which property of coal is very useful in running steam engines?Why were steel industries located near coal mines?What is coal also known as? Why do you think it was so called?

Accepted Answer

Coal is formed from the decomposed remains of plants that remained buried under high heat and pressure over millions of years under beds of sedimentary rocks.Coal is an inflammable organic substance which is rich in carbon. It produces huge quantities of heat when burnt. Coal has been therefore the source of power in steam engines for long.In the early 20th century, as the steel industries were run on coal fired furnaces, they were, therefore, primarily located near coal mines.Coal is also known as black gold as it became the backbone of industrial growth. Its importance in powering steam engines, producing a lot of heat energy when burnt, generating electricity, and supporting industries like steel gave it great economic value, just like gold.

Question 9

Question 2(a)Can we live without coal and petroleum? How would it be possible, in the future, to run industries or put fuel in our cars?

Accepted Answer

Living without coal and petroleum is challenging today but possible in the future with the development and adoption of sustainable alternatives, such as:Renewable Energy Sources — Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy can replace coal and petroleum for electricity generation and heating.Electric Vehicles (EVs) — Cars and other vehicles can run on electricity stored in batteries charged from renewable sources, reducing the need for petrol or diesel.Hydrogen Fuel — Hydrogen is a clean fuel that can power vehicles and industries without emitting pollutants.Biofuels — Derived from plants and organic waste, biofuels can serve as alternatives to petrol and diesel.Energy-efficient Technology — Industries can shift to greener technologies that consume less power and depend on cleaner energy sources.Coal and petroleum are not essential forever—with planning, innovation, and investment in green technology, we can build a future that doesn't depend on them.

Question 10

Question 2(b)Observe and describe the ways rocks are used in your neighbourhood. Do you think there could be misuse of rocks, rock powder, gravel stones and sand?

Accepted Answer

In our neighbourhood, rocks are used in many ways. Granite and marble are used for making kitchen slabs, floors, and tiles. Sandstone and limestone are used in the construction of buildings and walls. Gravel stones and sand are mixed with cement to make concrete for roads and houses. Sometimes, rock powder is used in making cement or as fertiliser in farms.Yes, there can be misuse of rocks and minerals. If people dig out too much sand or gravel from rivers and hills, it can lead to soil erosion, damage the land, and harm nature. Rocks and minerals take millions of years to form, so we must use them carefully and only when needed.

Question 11

Question 3(b)Look at this picture and answer the questions that follow.Which mineral is mined by the method shown in the picture? Name the method.Write two uses of this mineral.Where can this mineral be found in India?

Accepted Answer

In the given picture, Petroleum is being mined by Offshore Drilling (extraction of oil from beneath the ocean floor) method.Two uses of Petroleum are:Petroleum is an indispensable source of transportation fuel for locomotives, automobiles, aircraft as well as ships.It is used in the manufacture of petrochemical products such as plastics, polyester fabric and paraffin wax.In India, highest production of Petroleum comes from the Mumbai High offshore oilfield located in the Arabian Sea.

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