CBSE Class 10 Geography Important Questions - Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources

1. What defines a mineral and where can minerals typically be found?

Ans: A mineral is a natural, non-living substance with a set chemical makeup and a crystal structure. Minerals form through geological processes and have distinct properties like hardness and colour. They are found in various places on Earth, including in rocks, soil, and sediments. Minerals can be located in mountains, sedimentary layers, and volcanic regions. They are also extracted from mines and quarries. Knowing where minerals are found helps us locate and use these important resources effectively.

2. What are the key differences between an open pit mine, a quarry, and an underground mine with shafts?

Ans: The key differences between an open pit mine, a quarry, and an underground mine with shafts are:

• Open Pit Mine: This method digs large, open holes in the ground to access minerals near the surface. It is used for minerals like copper and iron and involves removing lots of soil and rock. While it is cost-effective and extracts a lot of material, it can cause significant environmental changes.

• Quarry: A quarry is like an open pit mine but is mainly used for getting building materials such as granite or limestone. It involves removing large chunks of rock and is usually less deep than open pits. Quarries can affect the landscape and produce dust and noise.

• Underground Mine with Shafts: This mining method involves digging tunnels deep into the ground to reach minerals found far below the surface. It is used for valuable minerals like gold. This method requires complex equipment and safety measures but has less impact on the surface area.

3. What effects does mining have on both the health of miners and the surrounding environment?

Ans: The effects mining has on both the health of miners and the surrounding environment are:

• Health of Miners: Mining can expose workers to dangerous dust, chemicals, and extreme conditions. Breathing in dust can cause lung diseases like silicosis. Miners can also suffer from accidents and injuries due to heavy machinery and unsafe conditions.

• Environmental Impact: Mining can harm the environment in several ways. It can lead to deforestation, loss of animal habitats, and soil erosion. Water from mining operations can become polluted with harmful chemicals, affecting fish and drinking water. The land can be damaged, and restoring it can be challenging.

4. Which of the following minerals is formed through the decomposition of rocks, resulting in a residual mass of weathered material?

(a) Coal

(b) Bauxite

(c) Gold

(d) Zinc

Ans: (b) Bauxite

5. In which type of rocks do minerals generally get deposited and accumulated?

(a) Sedimentary rocks

(b) Igneous rocks

(c) Metamorphic rocks

(d) None of the above

Ans: (a) Sedimentary rocks

6. How are minerals formed within igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks?

Ans: Minerals in igneous rocks form when molten rock, called magma or lava, cools down and hardens. If the cooling happens slowly, the minerals have time to form large crystals, while fast cooling leads to smaller crystals. In metamorphic rocks, minerals are created when existing rocks change due to high pressure and temperature. This process, called metamorphism, changes the minerals in the original rock, either by forming new ones or by rearranging the existing minerals into different structures.

7. Can you provide two examples of traditional energy sources?

Ans: The two examples of traditional energy sources are:

• Coal: This is a type of fossil fuel made from ancient plant material that was buried under layers of sediment. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transformed it into coal, which is used for making electricity and heating.

• Natural Gas: This fossil fuel is mainly methane and comes from the remains of marine organisms buried under sediment. It's used for heating homes, generating electricity, and as fuel for vehicles.

8. Describe the process of how fossil fuels are formed and give some examples of fossil fuels.

Ans: Fossil fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. For coal, plant material in swamps gets buried under sediment and turns into coal over millions of years with heat and pressure. Oil and natural gas come from tiny marine organisms buried under sediment. Over time, heat and pressure change these remains into oil and natural gas. Examples include coal, which is used for electricity, and oil (petroleum), used for fuel and various products.

9. What is solar energy, and in what ways is it utilised?

Ans: Solar energy is the energy we get from the sun’s light and heat. We capture it using solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity or heat. Solar energy is used to power homes and businesses, heat water, and run appliances. It helps reduce the need for fossil fuels and lowers electricity bills while being environmentally friendly.

10. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using wind energy?

Ans: Benefits:

• Renewable: Wind energy is a renewable source, meaning it won’t run out as long as the wind blows.

• Clean: It produces no pollution, making it better for the environment compared to fossil fuels.

Drawbacks:

• Inconsistent: Wind energy depends on wind, which isn’t always reliable or strong.

• Wildlife Impact: Wind turbines can be harmful to birds and bats, and they can also affect local wildlife habitats.

11. What are four different uses for manganese?

Ans: Manganese has several important uses. It is mainly added to steel to make it stronger and harder, which helps in building and making machinery. It is also used in batteries, like those in flashlights and remote controls, to make them work better. Manganese is used to make special alloys, such as manganese bronze, which are tough and resist rust. Lastly, it is included in fertilisers and animal feed to provide essential nutrients for plants and animals.

12. What are three methods for conserving mineral resources?

Ans: The three methods for conserving mineral resources:

• Recycling and Reuse: Recycling old metal products reduces the need to mine for new materials. Reusing items helps cut down on waste and saves resources.

• Efficient Use: Using minerals carefully means we don’t waste them. Improving how we use and process these materials helps to use less and make more from what we have.

• Sustainable Practices: Following methods that protect the environment while mining helps save resources. This includes careful planning and management to ensure minerals last longer and are available for future needs.

13. Which of the following fuels is considered environmentally friendly?

(a) Coal

(b) Firewood

(c) Petroleum

(d) Natural gas

Ans: (d) Natural gas

Natural gas is considered the most environmentally friendly fuel among the options. It burns cleaner than coal, firewood, and petroleum, meaning it creates less pollution and fewer harmful gases. However, it’s still a fossil fuel, so it does have some impact on the environment.

14. Is it true or false that ferrous minerals account for approximately three-fourths of the total value of metallic mineral production?

(a) True

(b) False

Ans: (a) True

Ferrous minerals, like iron ores, make up about three-fourths of the total value of metallic minerals produced. These minerals are very important for making steel and other materials.

15. What are three key differences between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy?

Ans: Conventional energy sources are the traditional ones we’ve used for a long time, like coal and oil. They are often not renewable and can cause pollution. Non-conventional energy sources are newer, like solar and wind power. They are renewable, meaning they won’t run out, and they are better for the environment.

• Conventional sources can run out and often cause pollution.

• Non-conventional sources are renewable and cleaner.

• Conventional sources have a high environmental impact, while non-conventional sources are more eco-friendly.

16. How is energy essential to our modern life? Provide three examples to illustrate its importance.

Ans: Energy is very important because it powers many things we use every day. It makes our lives easier and supports many activities that we rely on.

• Energy powers our home appliances, like refrigerators and lights.

• It helps us travel using cars, buses, and trains.

• It enables factories to produce goods and support jobs.

17. Who are the leading producers of petroleum in India?

Ans: The leading producers of petroleum in India are: 

• Reliance Industries: A large private company in India, Reliance Industries runs big oil refineries and explores oil. They are known for their major role in the oil industry and advanced technology.

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): ONGC is a major government company responsible for a lot of India’s oil production. They find and extract oil from various places across the country.

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC): IOC is a big public company that refines oil into products like petrol and diesel. They also distribute these products widely across India.

18. What are the three main types of fossil fuels found in India?

Ans: the three main types of fossil fuels found in India are:

• Coal: India has large coal reserves. It is mainly used for generating electricity and in industries like steel production.

• Petroleum: This includes crude oil, which is refined into fuels such as petrol and diesel. It is essential for transportation and making other products.

• Natural Gas: Found in several places in India, natural gas is used for cooking, heating, and generating power. It is also important for making fertilisers and chemicals.

19. What are three characteristics of the Bellary-Chitradurga, Chikmagalur-Tumkur iron-ore belt in India?

Ans: The Bellary-Chitradurga, Chikmagalur-Tumkur iron-ore belt is a major iron ore mining area in India known for its large iron ore reserves. This region is important because it provides a lot of high-quality iron ore used in making steel.

• High-Quality Deposits: This belt has large amounts of high-quality iron ore.

• Major Mining Towns: Key towns include Bellary, Chitradurga, and Tumkur.

• Economic Impact: It supports a big steel industry and helps the local economy.

20. How is coal distributed across India?

Ans: Coal is found in several parts of India, which affects where energy is produced and how different regions develop.

• Eastern India: The main coal reserves are in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. These areas have large coal mines that produce most of the country's coal.

• Central India: Coal deposits are also found in Madhya Pradesh. This region helps meet the energy needs of central India.

• Western and Southern India: These regions have fewer coal reserves, so they rely on coal from other parts of the country.

21. How does India’s mineral resource wealth vary across different regions? Provide examples to support this.

Ans: India has different types of minerals in various regions, and this affects regional industries and economies.

• Northern India: This area has a lot of coal and limestone. Coal is used for power generation, while limestone is used to make cement. States like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are notable for these resources.

• Eastern India: Rich in iron ore and bauxite, which are used in making steel and aluminium. States like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal are key players in these industries.

• Southern India: Known for deposits of gold and mica. Gold is used in jewellery and electronics, while mica is used in cosmetics and electrical equipment. States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are important for these minerals.

22. How are minerals an essential part of our daily lives? Provide examples to support this statement.

Ans: Minerals are very important because they are used in many everyday items and activities.

• Electronics: Minerals like copper and lithium are essential for making phones, computers, and batteries. Copper is used in wiring, and lithium is used in rechargeable batteries.

• Construction: Cement, made from limestone, and steel, made from iron ore, are used to build houses, roads, and bridges. These materials are fundamental for construction and infrastructure.

• Transportation: Metals such as aluminium and steel are used in vehicles like cars, trains, and aeroplanes. Aluminium is lightweight and helps in making vehicles more fuel-efficient, while steel provides strength and durability.

23. What are the main types of manufacturing industries in India, and how do they contribute to the country's economy?

Ans: India has several important manufacturing industries like textiles, steel, cars, chemicals, and electronics. Textiles, which include clothes and fabrics, provide many jobs and bring in money from exports. Steel is used for building and construction. Car factories create jobs and drive new technology. The chemical industry makes products used in many other industries. Electronics help India stay advanced in technology. All these industries support economic growth by making products, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.

24. Describe the role of industrialisation in the economic development of a region. Provide examples of how industrialisation has impacted specific areas in India.

Ans: Industrialization helps regions grow by creating jobs, increasing production, and improving living conditions. For example, Gujarat has grown economically because of its industries in chemicals and textiles. In Tamil Nadu, Chennai has become a major car-making centre, boosting the local economy. Mumbai in Maharashtra has developed into a big industrial and financial centre, attracting businesses and investment. These examples show how industrialization leads to better economic development in different areas.

25. How do factors like raw materials, labour, and transportation affect the location of manufacturing industries?

Ans: The location of manufacturing industries is influenced by raw materials, labour, and transportation. Industries often set up near raw materials to reduce transport costs and ensure they have a steady supply. For instance, steel plants are near iron ore sources. The availability of workers also affects where industries are located; they might choose areas with lots of workers or lower wages. Good transport links, like roads and railways, are important for moving materials and products. These factors help decide the best place to set up industries.

26. What is the significance of the textile industry in India, and how does it impact employment and economic growth?

Ans: The textile industry is very important for India. It provides many jobs and helps the economy grow. It contributes a lot to the country's earnings and exports. The industry gives jobs to millions of people, especially in rural areas where other jobs might be scarce. It also helps keep traditional crafts and skills alive. By creating jobs and supporting local economies, the textile industry is key to India’s growth and development.

27. Discuss the environmental challenges associated with manufacturing industries and suggest measures to mitigate these challenges.

Ans: Manufacturing industries have several environmental challenges like pollution and resource depletion. Factories can pollute the air, water, and soil. To reduce this, they can use cleaner technologies and improve waste management. Overusing natural resources can cause shortages, so industries should use resources more efficiently and recycle. Industrial activities can also harm natural habitats, so it’s important to follow environmental rules and practice sustainability. High energy use can lead to more pollution, so switching to renewable energy and using energy wisely can help reduce these issues.

Important Topics of Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources

In Class 10 Geography Chapter 5, Minerals and Energy Resources Important Questions students explore various important topics related to farming and crop production. Understanding these topics helps students understand how Minerals and Energy Resources work and why it is important in everyday life.

Benefits of Learning with Minerals and Energy Resources Important Questions and Answers Class 10

• Using Vedantu’s important questions helps students focus on the main points of the chapter, making studying easier.

• Practising Minerals and Energy Resources Important Questions prepare students for the types of questions they will see on the exam, helping them feel more confident.

• Answering these questions helps students learn about different minerals and energy resources and understand their importance.

• Regular practise with these questions can improve exam scores by making the key ideas clearer.

• Learning about minerals and energy resources shows students how these materials are used in everyday life and industries.

• Minerals and Energy Resources Chapter 5 teaches how to manage and conserve resources, which is important for protecting the environment.

Conclusion 

Studying Class 10 Chapter 5 of Minerals and Energy Resources Important Questions and Answers is essential. It covers various minerals and energy sources, their importance in daily life, and how they are used. Understanding these resources helps us see their role in our economy and environment. Proper management and conservation are crucial for ensuring these resources last for future generations. For extra help with Geography, explore Vedantu’s live classes and study materials. Start learning about these resources today, and visit Vedantu for live classes and resources to score well in exams.

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