Minerals and Energy Resources – CBSE Board Examinations Previous Years Question Bank
CBSE Class 10 Social Science – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
Previous Years Exam-style Questions – CBSE Class 10 Board Examinations
Below are 30 exam-style questions with answers for
“Geography – Contemporary India – II, Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources”,
based on the pattern of previous years CBSE Class 10 Board Exams.
Wherever appropriate, the year and marks are mentioned.
Answers are written in clear, NCERT-based language to help students score better in exams.
Topic 1: What is a Mineral? – Basic Concepts
Q1. Define the term ‘mineral’.
A mineral is a naturally occurring substance, having a
definite chemical composition and an orderly internal (crystalline) structure,
formed by natural geological processes.
Q2. Distinguish between a ‘mineral’ and an ‘ore’.
- Mineral: Any naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition and internal structure. It may or may not be useful for commercial extraction.
- Ore: A type of rock that contains a mineral in sufficient quantity so that the mineral can be extracted profitably.
- Thus, all ores contain minerals, but all minerals are not ores. The concept of economic profit makes a mineral deposit an ore.
Q3. Why are minerals considered non-renewable resources?
- Minerals are formed by very slow geological processes operating over millions of years.
- The rate of their formation is much slower than the rate at which human beings extract and consume them; therefore, on the human time scale they are treated as non-renewable.
Q4. “Minerals are basic to all industries.” Justify this statement with three points.
- Minerals provide raw materials for major industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemical and fertiliser industries.
- Many energy minerals like coal and petroleum are the basis for power generation and transport.
- Several high-tech industries (electronics, aerospace, telecommunications) depend on specific minerals like copper, silicon, rare earth metals, etc.
Q5. Explain the broad categories in which minerals are classified on the basis of their composition.
- Metallic minerals: Contain metal in raw form. Further divided into:
- Ferrous minerals – contain iron (e.g. iron ore, manganese, chromite).
- Non-ferrous minerals – do not contain iron (e.g. copper, bauxite, lead, zinc).
- Non-metallic minerals: Do not contain metals (e.g. mica, limestone, gypsum, rock salt, potash).
- Energy minerals: Used as fuels (e.g. coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium) – often overlapping with metallic/non-metallic categories.
Topic 2: Mode of Occurrence of Minerals
Q6. Describe any three modes of occurrence of minerals in nature with suitable examples.
- In igneous and metamorphic rocks (veins and lodes): Minerals fill cracks, crevices, faults or joints. Examples: tin, copper, zinc and lead.
- In sedimentary rocks (beds and layers): Minerals occur in the form of beds or layers formed by deposition. Examples: coal, limestone and some iron ores.
- Placer deposits: Minerals are mechanically concentrated in valley floors and river beds. Examples: gold, tin and platinum found as placer deposits.
Q7. What are ‘veins’ and ‘lodes’? Name two minerals obtained from such deposits.
- Veins and lodes are mineral deposits filling cracks, crevices, faults or joints in igneous and metamorphic rocks (veins – small deposits; lodes – larger deposits).
- Examples of minerals: tin, copper, zinc and lead are commonly obtained from such deposits.
Q8. Explain how bauxite deposits are formed in India. Mention one state having large bauxite reserves.
- Bauxite is formed as a residual deposit in areas of intense chemical weathering in hot and humid climates.
- Heavy rainfall causes leaching: soluble materials are washed away and insoluble aluminium compounds are left behind, forming bauxite.
- Odisha has large reserves of bauxite (other states: Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh).
Q9. What are placer deposits? Why are they important?
- Placer deposits are alluvial deposits of minerals formed when heavy minerals are mechanically concentrated in sands of valley floors and river beds.
- They are important because many valuable minerals like gold, tin and platinum are obtained from such deposits.
- Extraction is relatively easier as the minerals are already loose and concentrated in sand.
Topic 3: Where Are These Minerals Found? – Mineral Belts of India
Q10. Name any three major iron-ore belts of India and write one feature of each.
- Odisha–Jharkhand belt: High-grade hematite ore in Badampahar mines (Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar), and in Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
- Durg–Bastar–Chandrapur belt: Hematite ore in Chhattisgarh (Dalli-Rajhara mines) and Maharashtra.
- Ballari–Chitradurga–Chikkamagaluru–Tumakuru belt: Known for large reserves in Karnataka; Kudremukh is a 100% export-oriented iron ore project.
Q11. Why is the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region called the ‘mineral heartland of India’?
- This region (Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas) has rich deposits of coal, iron ore, manganese, bauxite and mica.
- It has a well-developed network of transport and industrial centres, promoting mining and heavy industries.
- The availability of power, water and labour has led to the growth of iron and steel plants and other mineral-based industries.
Q12. “Mineral distribution in India is highly uneven.” Justify with any three examples.
- The eastern and central parts of India (e.g. Chhota Nagpur Plateau) are rich in coal and iron ore, whereas the northern plains are almost devoid of major minerals.
- Rajasthan and Gujarat are rich in non-metallic minerals such as limestone, gypsum and rock phosphate, but have fewer coal deposits.
- Petroleum and natural gas occur mainly in Assam, Gujarat and offshore fields, not equally across all states.
Q13. Name the mineral-rich region including Rajasthan and Gujarat. Mention any two important minerals found there.
- Rajasthan and Gujarat belong to the North-Western Region of mineral distribution in India.
- Important minerals: limestone, gypsum, rock phosphate, mica and salt (any two).
Topic 4: Ferrous Minerals
Q14. What are ferrous minerals? Describe any two important iron ores found in India along with their characteristics.
- Ferrous minerals are minerals which contain iron. They form the backbone of the iron and steel industry. Examples: iron ore, manganese, chromite.
- Hematite:
- Most important industrial iron ore in India.
- Contains about 60–70% iron.
- Found in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Karnataka.
- Magnetite:
- Finest quality iron ore with up to 70% iron.
- Has strong magnetic properties.
- Used in the electrical industry and in steel manufacturing; found in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Q15. Why is manganese considered an important mineral for the iron and steel industry?
- Manganese is used as a ferro-alloy in steelmaking to remove impurities like sulphur and oxygen.
- It helps in making steel hard, strong and tough, improving its quality.
- It is also used in manufacturing dry cell batteries, bleaching powder, insecticides and paints, further increasing its industrial importance.
Q16. Name any three major iron-ore producing states of India.
Major iron-ore producing states are Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Karnataka (any three).
Q17. Mention any three problems associated with the mining of ferrous minerals in India.
- Environmental degradation: Open-cast mining causes land degradation, deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
- Health hazards: Miners are exposed to dust, noise and accidents, which affect their health and safety.
- Wastage and low-grade ores: Traditional methods lead to wastage; much of the available ore is of low grade and needs beneficiation, increasing costs.
Topic 5: Non-Ferrous Minerals
Q18. Why is copper important for modern industries? Name any two copper-producing states of India.
- Copper is a very good conductor of electricity and heat, is ductile and resistant to corrosion.
- It is widely used in electrical wiring, cables, motors, transformers and in electronic industries.
- Major copper-producing states: Rajasthan (Khetri mines), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat) and Jharkhand (Singhbhum) (any two).
Q19. Aluminium has emerged as a metal of strategic importance. Explain why. Also mention the conditions necessary for the formation of bauxite.
- Importance of aluminium:
- It is light, strong, corrosion-resistant and good conductor of heat.
- Used in aircraft, automobiles, railway coaches, packaging (cans, foils) and household utensils.
- Plays a vital role in transport, defence and electrical industries, so it is strategically important.
- Conditions for bauxite formation:
- Hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall.
- Intense chemical weathering of rocks and leaching, which removes soluble materials.
- Insoluble aluminium compounds remain and accumulate as residual deposits of bauxite.
Q20. Differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals with one example of each.
- Ferrous minerals: Contain iron. Example: iron ore, manganese, chromite.
- Non-ferrous minerals: Do not contain iron. Example: copper, bauxite, lead, zinc.
Topic 6: Non-Metallic Minerals and Rock Minerals
Q21. Describe the uses and distribution of mica in India.
- Uses: Mica is a non-metallic mineral used as an insulator in electrical and electronic industries due to its ability to withstand high temperature and to be split into thin sheets.
- It is also used in paints, varnishes and cosmetics.
- Distribution: Mica deposits are found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, with Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh leading.
Q22. Why is limestone an important rock mineral for industries? Mention two of its uses.
- Limestone is the basic raw material for the cement industry.
- It is also used as a flux in the iron and steel industry to remove impurities like silica and alumina.
- Thus it is vital for construction and heavy industries.
Q23. How do rock minerals such as granite and sandstone contribute to the construction sector in India?
- Granite: Hard, durable and can be polished; used in flooring, kitchen tops, monuments and decorative work.
- Sandstone: Easy to work with and widely available; used in building walls, pillars and historical monuments.
- These rock minerals provide strong and attractive building material for houses, offices and public structures.
Topic 7: Conservation of Minerals
Q24. Why is conservation of minerals essential? Give any three reasons.
- Minerals are finite and non-renewable resources; once exhausted they cannot be replaced in a short time.
- Demand for minerals is increasing due to industrialisation and population growth, leading to rapid depletion.
- Unscientific mining causes environmental degradation such as land subsidence, deforestation and pollution, which must be minimised.
Q25. Suggest any five measures for the conservation of mineral resources.
- Adopt improved technology to reduce wastage during mining and processing.
- Promote recycling of metals (e.g. scrap iron, aluminium, copper) to reduce the need for fresh mining.
- Use substitutes wherever possible (e.g. plastics, composite materials, renewable materials) to reduce pressure on mineral resources.
- Implement sustainable mining practices – scientific planning, controlled blasting, backfilling of mined areas, and reclamation through afforestation.
- Encourage judicious consumption by avoiding overuse and promoting awareness about conserving minerals for future generations.
Topic 8: Energy Resources – Conventional Sources of Energy
Q26. Differentiate between thermal power and hydel power. State two advantages of hydel power over thermal power.
- Thermal power: Generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas to produce steam, which runs turbines.
- Hydel power: Generated by using the potential energy of water stored in dams; falling water turns turbines.
- Advantages of hydel power over thermal power:
- It is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy; no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- It has a low running cost once the dam is constructed and also helps in flood control and irrigation.
Q27. Name the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India. Explain any two of its uses.
- The most abundantly available fossil fuel in India is coal.
- Uses:
- Used as a primary fuel in thermal power plants to generate electricity.
- Used as an important source of energy in iron and steel industries and many other industries for heating and processing.
Q28. Why is natural gas called an ‘environment-friendly’ fuel? Suggest any two measures to enhance its use in India.
- Environment-friendly fuel: Natural gas burns more completely, emits very little smoke and particulate matter, and produces less carbon dioxide compared to coal and petroleum.
- Measures to enhance its use:
- Expand the network of pipelines and city gas distribution for households, industries and vehicles (CNG).
- Provide incentives and subsidies for natural gas-based power plants and public transport, and promote awareness about its environmental benefits.
Topic 9: Non-Conventional Sources & Conservation of Energy Resources
Q29. “India should shift increasingly towards non-conventional sources of energy.” Give any five arguments in favour of this statement.
- Renewable: Sources like solar, wind, biogas, tidal and geothermal are inexhaustible and can be used again and again.
- Environment-friendly: They emit little or no pollution and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Decentralised supply: They can be used in remote and rural areas where extending the grid is difficult or costly.
- Reduced dependence on imports: Use of indigenous renewable sources reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and improves energy security.
- Employment generation: Setting up solar panels, wind farms and biogas plants creates local jobs in installation, maintenance and manufacturing.
Q30. Explain any three measures that students and families can adopt in daily life to conserve energy resources.
- Switch off lights, fans and electrical appliances when not in use; use LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
- Prefer public transport, cycling or walking for short distances; practise car-pooling instead of using separate vehicles.
- Operate appliances like air-conditioners at moderate temperatures, regularly service vehicles and use energy-efficient devices to reduce fuel and electricity consumption.