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Solutions for Geography, Class 6, ICSE
Difference between Rocks and Minerals —
| Rocks | Minerals |
|---|---|
| A rock is made of minerals; either entirely of one mineral as in limestone, or more commonly of two or more minerals as in granite. | Minerals are naturally occurring useful substances with definite physical properties and chemical compositions. |
Metallic minerals — These minerals contain metals and thus have a shine of their own. For example, manganese, copper and gold.
Non-metallic minerals — These minerals do not contain metals and have a dull appearance. For example, mica, chalk and limestone.
Difference between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals —
| Ferrous Minerals | Non-ferrous Minerals |
|---|---|
| They contain iron and are thus heavier in weight. They are reddish in colour. | These minerals do not have iron content. They do not have magnetic properties. |
| For example, iron ore and manganese. | For example, copper and bauxite. |
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.
The major producers of copper in the world are — China, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Congo and Zambia.
Uses of Copper —
Mining means extraction of useful minerals. Two important methods of mining are given below:
Three hazards of mining are as follows:
Three methods of conservation of minerals are as follows:
Choose from the following the incorrect statement regarding mineral conservation:
There is maximum use of petroleum as it is the main source of energy.
Choose the correct combination.
| Minerals | Important feature |
|---|---|
| A. mica | 1. used to produce nuclear energy |
| B. natural gas | 2. burns with less smoke |
| C. limestone | 3. used for making cement |
| D. copper | 4. used for making steel and machines |
only B2 and C3 are correct.
Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statement and choose the appropriate option:
Assertion (A): Minerals such as coal and natural gas are called energy minerals.
Reason (R): They provide heat and electric energy.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation — Coal and natural gas are called energy minerals because they are used to generate heat and electricity.
Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statement and choose the appropriate option:
Assertion (A): Minerals should be used judiciously.
Reason (R): Minerals are important for our daily needs.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation — Minerals are exhaustible or non-renewable natural resources that take millions of years to form. Hence, by using them judiciously, we can meet our present needs and at the same time keep enough resources for the growth and development of our future generations.
Read 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
In India, highest production of Petroleum comes from the Mumbai High offshore oilfield located in the Arabian Sea.
