Minerals and Energy Resources – Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 10 Social Science – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
Designed for CBSE Board Examinations – Short Answer Type Questions with Answers
These topic-wise Short Answer Type Questions with Answers are prepared strictly according to the
NCERT syllabus for Class 10 Geography Chapter 5: “Minerals and Energy Resources”.
They are ideal for concept clarity, written practice and CBSE Class 10 Board Exam revision.
Topic 1: What is a Mineral?
Q1. Define a mineral. How is it different from a rock?
Answer: A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic structure.
A rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals. Thus, minerals are the basic building blocks, while rocks are made up of different minerals combined together.
Q2. Mention any four physical properties by which minerals can be identified.
Answer: Minerals can be identified on the basis of:
(i) Colour, (ii) Hardness, (iii) Lustre, and (iv) Density or specific gravity.
Some minerals are also identified by their crystal form and cleavage.
Q3. Why are minerals considered non-renewable resources on the human time scale?
Answer: Minerals are formed by complex geological processes over millions of years.
The rate of formation is extremely slow compared to the rate at which humans extract and use them.
Therefore, they cannot be renewed within a human life span and are considered non-renewable.
Q4. What is an ore? Give one example.
Answer: An ore is a rock containing a sufficient quantity of a mineral, such that the mineral can be extracted economically.
For example, bauxite is an ore of aluminium. From bauxite, aluminium metal is obtained profitably in industries.
Q5. State any two reasons why minerals are important for human beings.
Answer:
(i) Minerals are basic raw materials for many industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemical and electrical industries.
(ii) They are used in making tools, machines, buildings, transport vehicles and even everyday items like utensils and electronic gadgets.
(ii) They are used in making tools, machines, buildings, transport vehicles and even everyday items like utensils and electronic gadgets.
Topic 2: Mode of Occurrence of Minerals
Q6. Explain briefly how minerals occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Answer: In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals occur in cracks, crevices, faults or joints.
These are formed when mineral-rich solutions or magma cool and solidify in these fractures.
Smaller deposits are called veins and larger ones are called lodes. Many metallic minerals like tin, copper and zinc occur in this way.
Q7. Describe the occurrence of minerals in sedimentary rocks.
Answer: In sedimentary rocks, minerals occur in layers or beds.
They have been formed because of deposition, compaction and cementation of sediments over a long period of time.
Coal, gypsum and some forms of iron ore and limestone occur in this manner.
Q8. What are placer deposits? Name any two minerals obtained from them.
Answer: Placer deposits are deposits of minerals found in the sands of valley floors and river beds, formed by the mechanical concentration of heavy minerals.
Minerals like gold, tin and platinum are commonly obtained from placer deposits by methods such as dredging and panning.
Q9. How is bauxite formed as a residual deposit? Mention one region of its occurrence in India.
Answer: Bauxite is formed due to prolonged weathering of rocks in tropical and subtropical climates.
Soluble materials are leached away and insoluble aluminium compounds accumulate as a residual mass, forming bauxite deposits.
In India, bauxite is found in the plateau region of Odisha, especially in the Koraput district.
Q10. What are evaporite deposits? Give one example.
Answer: Evaporite deposits are layers of mineral salts formed when water in lakes or inland seas evaporates in arid regions,
leaving behind soluble minerals. Rock salt (sodium chloride) and gypsum are common minerals found in evaporite deposits.
Topic 3: Where Are These Minerals Found? – Major Mineral Belts of India
Q11. Why is the distribution of minerals in India highly uneven?
Answer: The distribution of minerals in India is uneven because mineral formation depends on geological processes which vary from region to region.
Different types of rocks and geological structures have been subjected to different conditions of heat, pressure and chemical action, resulting in concentration of minerals only in certain areas.
Q12. Name the four major mineral belts of India.
Answer: The four major mineral belts of India are:
(i) North-Eastern Plateau Region (Chhota Nagpur Plateau),
(ii) South-Western Plateau Region,
(iii) North-Western Region, and
(iv) Himalayan Region.
(i) North-Eastern Plateau Region (Chhota Nagpur Plateau),
(ii) South-Western Plateau Region,
(iii) North-Western Region, and
(iv) Himalayan Region.
Q13. Describe the mineral wealth of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region.
Answer: The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and parts of West Bengal is India’s richest mineral belt.
It has large deposits of coal, high-grade iron ore, manganese, bauxite and mica.
This region forms the backbone of India’s heavy industries like iron and steel and thermal power generation.
Q14. What type of minerals are mainly found in the South-Western Plateau Region?
Answer: The South-Western Plateau Region, including Karnataka, Goa and parts of the Western Ghats, is rich in ferrous minerals.
High-grade iron ore, manganese and some deposits of bauxite are found here.
This region supports important iron ore mines like those in Bellary and Hospet.
Q15. Mention the main minerals found in the North-Western Region of India.
Answer: The North-Western Region, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, is rich in non-metallic minerals.
Limestone, gypsum, mica, rock phosphate, salt and some copper deposits occur here.
The region also has desert landscapes with significant evaporite deposits.
Topic 4: Ferrous Minerals
Q16. Why are ferrous minerals considered the backbone of the modern industry? Explain with two points.
Answer: Ferrous minerals like iron ore and manganese are crucial because:
(i) Iron and steel, obtained from iron ore, are used to manufacture machines, tools, transport vehicles and construction material.
(ii) Industrial growth, heavy engineering, infrastructure and defence equipment largely depend on the availability of iron and steel.
(i) Iron and steel, obtained from iron ore, are used to manufacture machines, tools, transport vehicles and construction material.
(ii) Industrial growth, heavy engineering, infrastructure and defence equipment largely depend on the availability of iron and steel.
Q17. Differentiate between hematite and magnetite iron ores.
Answer: Hematite contains about 60–70% iron, is reddish in colour and is the most important industrial iron ore in India.
Magnetite has a higher iron content (up to 70%), is black in colour and is an excellent magnetic ore.
However, hematite is more widely used in India due to its easier availability.
Q18. Name any two major iron ore producing states of India and one mining region in each.
Answer:
(i) Odisha – famous mining regions include Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
(ii) Chhattisgarh – important iron ore mines are located in Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt.
(ii) Chhattisgarh – important iron ore mines are located in Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt.
Q19. State any three uses of manganese.
Answer: Manganese is used:
(i) In the manufacture of steel as it makes steel tough and removes impurities.
(ii) In the production of bleaching powder.
(iii) In making dry cell batteries, paints and fertilizers.
(i) In the manufacture of steel as it makes steel tough and removes impurities.
(ii) In the production of bleaching powder.
(iii) In making dry cell batteries, paints and fertilizers.
Q20. Name the leading producer of manganese in India and one important manganese mining belt.
Answer: Odisha is one of the leading producers of manganese in India.
The Balaghat-Nagpur belt (spreading over Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) and the Odisha-Jharkhand belt are important manganese mining regions.
Q21. How does the availability of ferrous minerals influence the location of iron and steel plants?
Answer: Iron and steel plants require large quantities of iron ore, manganese and coal.
To reduce transport costs, plants are generally located near mining areas of ferrous minerals.
For example, the Bhilai, Rourkela and Jamshedpur steel plants are close to iron ore and manganese deposits of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
Topic 5: Non-Ferrous Minerals
Q22. What are non-ferrous minerals? Give two examples and their uses.
Answer: Non-ferrous minerals are minerals that do not contain iron.
Examples: (i) Copper – used for electrical wires, cables and machinery due to its high conductivity.
(ii) Bauxite – used to obtain aluminium, which is used in aircraft, automobiles, utensils and construction.
Q23. Why is copper an essential mineral for the modern electrical industry?
Answer: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, is ductile and resistant to corrosion.
These properties make it ideal for electrical wiring, cables, motors, transformers and electronic devices,
which are essential components of modern electrical and electronic industries.
Q24. Mention two major copper producing states of India.
Answer: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are two major copper producing states of India.
The Khetri mines in Rajasthan and the Balaghat mines in Madhya Pradesh are important centres of copper mining.
Q25. Explain why aluminium is increasingly used in place of steel in transport and construction.
Answer: Aluminium is lighter than steel, yet strong and resistant to corrosion.
This makes vehicles more fuel efficient and reduces maintenance costs.
In construction, aluminium is used for doors, windows and roofing because it is durable and easy to shape.
Q26. State any three conditions necessary for the development of bauxite mining in a region.
Answer: For the development of bauxite mining:
(i) Presence of laterite or residual deposits rich in aluminium.
(ii) Favourable climate for lateritisation, usually tropical or subtropical.
(iii) Good transport facilities and proximity to ports or aluminium plants to make mining economical.
(i) Presence of laterite or residual deposits rich in aluminium.
(ii) Favourable climate for lateritisation, usually tropical or subtropical.
(iii) Good transport facilities and proximity to ports or aluminium plants to make mining economical.
Q27. Name any two other important non-ferrous minerals besides copper and bauxite and state one use of each.
Answer:
(i) Lead – used in batteries and in shielding against radiation.
(ii) Zinc – used for galvanising iron to protect it from rusting and in making alloys like brass.
(ii) Zinc – used for galvanising iron to protect it from rusting and in making alloys like brass.
Topic 6: Non-Metallic Minerals and Rock Minerals
Q28. What are non-metallic minerals? Give two examples and their uses.
Answer: Non-metallic minerals are minerals that do not contain metals.
Examples: (i) Mica – used in electrical and electronic industries as an insulator and in making capacitors.
(ii) Limestone – used as a raw material in cement, and as a flux in iron and steel industry.
(ii) Limestone – used as a raw material in cement, and as a flux in iron and steel industry.
Q29. Why is mica considered an important mineral for the electrical industry?
Answer: Mica is an excellent insulator, has high dielectric strength, can withstand high temperatures and can be split into thin sheets.
These properties make it suitable for use in electrical equipment, capacitors and as insulation in cables and electronic devices.
Q30. Name any two rock minerals used as building materials and mention one use of each.
Answer:
(i) Granite – used for floor tiles, kitchen countertops and decorative stone.
(ii) Sandstone – used for building walls, pillars and historical monuments due to its workability and appearance.
(ii) Sandstone – used for building walls, pillars and historical monuments due to its workability and appearance.
Q31. How does limestone support both the cement industry and iron and steel industry?
Answer: Limestone is the main raw material for the cement industry, where it is heated to produce clinker for cement.
In the iron and steel industry, limestone is used as a flux to remove impurities like silica and alumina from the ore during smelting,
thus helping in the formation of slag and producing pure iron.
Q32. Explain with an example how one mineral can be used in multiple industries.
Answer: Coal is used in multiple industries:
(i) As a fuel in thermal power plants to generate electricity.
(ii) As a source of energy in iron and steel plants.
(iii) In chemical industries to produce by-products like coal tar, ammonia and benzene.
This shows that a single mineral can support many industrial activities.
Topic 7: Conservation of Minerals
Q33. Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Give any three reasons.
Answer: It is necessary to conserve minerals because:
(i) Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
(ii) Industrial and economic development depends heavily on minerals.
(iii) Over-extraction of minerals can cause land degradation, pollution and leave little for future generations.
(i) Mineral resources are finite and non-renewable.
(ii) Industrial and economic development depends heavily on minerals.
(iii) Over-extraction of minerals can cause land degradation, pollution and leave little for future generations.
Q34. Suggest any three measures to conserve mineral resources at the industrial level.
Answer: At the industrial level, minerals can be conserved by:
(i) Improving technology to utilise low-grade ores and reduce wastage during mining and processing.
(ii) Promoting recycling and reusing of scrap metals.
(iii) Adopting efficient designs and processes that use less mineral inputs per unit of output.
(i) Improving technology to utilise low-grade ores and reduce wastage during mining and processing.
(ii) Promoting recycling and reusing of scrap metals.
(iii) Adopting efficient designs and processes that use less mineral inputs per unit of output.
Q35. How can individuals help in conserving mineral resources? Give any three examples.
Answer: Individuals can help by:
(i) Using durable goods and repairing items instead of frequently replacing them.
(ii) Segregating and sending metal scrap for recycling.
(iii) Avoiding unnecessary use of products that involve heavy mineral consumption and using alternatives where possible.
(i) Using durable goods and repairing items instead of frequently replacing them.
(ii) Segregating and sending metal scrap for recycling.
(iii) Avoiding unnecessary use of products that involve heavy mineral consumption and using alternatives where possible.
Q36. Explain the role of sustainable mining practices in mineral conservation.
Answer: Sustainable mining aims to extract minerals with minimum damage to the environment.
It includes scientific planning of mines, controlled blasting, proper waste disposal, land reclamation, afforestation of mined areas
and ensuring safety of workers and local communities. These measures help in conserving minerals and protecting ecosystems.
Q37. “Recycling of metals is an important step in the conservation of minerals.” Justify.
Answer: Recycling of metals reduces the need for fresh mining, which in turn conserves mineral deposits.
It saves energy, reduces environmental pollution and lowers production costs.
For example, recycling aluminium cans and scrap requires much less energy than extracting aluminium from bauxite.
Topic 8: Energy Resources – Overview
Q38. What are energy resources? Why are they essential for a country’s development?
Answer: Energy resources are sources from which usable power can be obtained to run various activities such as industry, transport and domestic work.
They are essential for a country’s development because industrial growth, agriculture, communication, transport and urbanisation all depend on reliable and adequate energy supply.
Q39. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy resources with examples.
Answer: Renewable energy resources can be replenished naturally, e.g., solar, wind, hydel and biogas.
Non-renewable energy resources are limited and cannot be renewed within a human life span, e.g., coal, petroleum and natural gas.
Overuse of non-renewable resources can lead to their exhaustion.
Q40. How are energy resources classified into conventional and non-conventional sources?
Answer: Conventional energy sources are those which have been in common use for a long time, such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, thermal and hydel power.
Non-conventional energy sources are relatively new, renewable and often less polluting, such as solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and biogas energy.
Topic 9: Conventional Sources of Energy
Q41. Why is coal called the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? Mention two of its uses.
Answer: Coal is called the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India because it has large reserves, especially in the Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh regions.
It is used (i) as a primary fuel in thermal power plants to generate electricity, and (ii) as a source of energy in iron and steel industries and other heavy industries.
Q42. Explain the importance of petroleum in the modern economy.
Answer: Petroleum is called “black gold” because of its high economic value.
It is vital for transport as it provides fuels such as petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.
It is also the base for petrochemical industries that produce plastics, synthetic fibres, fertilizers and many other products essential for modern life.
Q43. Why is natural gas considered an environment-friendly fuel? Give two reasons.
Answer: Natural gas is environment-friendly because:
(i) It burns more completely and emits less smoke and particulate matter compared to coal and petroleum.
(ii) It emits fewer greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced, thus contributing less to global warming.
(i) It burns more completely and emits less smoke and particulate matter compared to coal and petroleum.
(ii) It emits fewer greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced, thus contributing less to global warming.
Q44. Distinguish between thermal power and hydel power.
Answer: Thermal power is generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas to produce steam that runs turbines.
It causes air pollution and depends on non-renewable resources.
Hydel power is generated by using the potential energy of stored water in dams to run turbines; it is renewable and relatively cleaner once the dam is constructed.
Q45. Mention any three problems associated with the use of conventional energy sources.
Answer: Problems include:
(i) Exhaustion of non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum.
(ii) Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and acid rain due to burning fossil fuels.
(iii) Environmental degradation and displacement of people in the case of large hydel projects.
(i) Exhaustion of non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum.
(ii) Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and acid rain due to burning fossil fuels.
(iii) Environmental degradation and displacement of people in the case of large hydel projects.
Topic 10: Non-Conventional Energy and Conservation of Energy Resources
Q46. State any three advantages of solar energy for a country like India.
Answer: Advantages of solar energy are:
(i) India receives abundant sunshine for most of the year due to its tropical location.
(ii) Solar energy is renewable, free and non-polluting.
(iii) Solar devices can be installed in remote areas, providing decentralised power supply to villages and hilly regions.
(i) India receives abundant sunshine for most of the year due to its tropical location.
(ii) Solar energy is renewable, free and non-polluting.
(iii) Solar devices can be installed in remote areas, providing decentralised power supply to villages and hilly regions.
Q47. How does wind energy work and which areas in India are suitable for wind farms?
Answer: Wind energy is generated by using wind turbines that convert the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity.
Coastal areas and open plains with steady strong winds, such as parts of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan,
are suitable locations for setting up wind farms.
Q48. What is biogas? Mention two advantages of biogas plants in rural areas.
Answer: Biogas is a mixture of methane and other gases produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste like animal dung and kitchen waste in biogas plants.
Advantages: (i) It provides a clean and smokeless fuel for cooking and lighting.
(ii) The slurry left after gas production is a rich organic manure that improves soil fertility.
(ii) The slurry left after gas production is a rich organic manure that improves soil fertility.
Q49. Why is it important to promote non-conventional sources of energy in India?
Answer: It is important because non-conventional sources are renewable and environmentally friendly.
They reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, help in mitigating climate change, and can provide energy access to remote and rural areas.
They also support sustainable and inclusive development.
Q50. Suggest any four simple measures that students can adopt to conserve energy in daily life.
Answer: Students can conserve energy by:
(i) Switching off lights, fans and gadgets when not in use.
(ii) Using energy-efficient devices like LED bulbs.
(iii) Walking, cycling or using public transport instead of private vehicles wherever possible.
(iv) Encouraging family and friends to adopt energy-saving habits and use renewable energy devices like solar lamps.
(i) Switching off lights, fans and gadgets when not in use.
(ii) Using energy-efficient devices like LED bulbs.
(iii) Walking, cycling or using public transport instead of private vehicles wherever possible.
(iv) Encouraging family and friends to adopt energy-saving habits and use renewable energy devices like solar lamps.