Chapter 5 of Class 10 Social Science, Minerals and Energy Resources, highlights the significance of minerals and energy in our homes, lifestyle and economy. It outlines various types of minerals, methods of mining and their distribution in India. Additionally the chapter also discusses renewable and non-renewable sources of energy and their applications.
The NCERT Solutions provided herein are intended to help students understand concepts simply and in a straightforward way and are in accordance with the NCERT Curriculum. These solutions also aid in learning based on maps, which is essential for Geography. Students should avail of these solutions to help them revise quickly and help with confidence before the exams.
Download the free PDF of the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources from below:
This chapter provides students with basic knowledge of natural resources and their significance. The main takeaways are as follows:
1.
(i) Which one of the following minerals is formed by decomposition of rocks, leaving a residual mass of weathered material?
(a) coal
(b) bauxite
(c) gold
(d) zinc
(ii) Koderma, in Jharkhand is the leading producer of which one of the following minerals?
(a) bauxite
(b) mica
(c) iron ore
(d) copper
(iii) Minerals are deposited and accumulated in the stratas of which of the following rocks?
(a) sedimentary rocks
(b) metamorphic rocks
(c) igneous rocks
(d) none of the above
(iv) Which one of the following minerals is contained in the Monazite sand?
(a) oil
(b) uranium
(c) thorium
(d) coal
Ans. (i) - (a) ; (ii) - (b) ; (iii) - (a) ; (iv) - ©
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Distinguish between the following in not more than 30 words.
(a) Ferrous and non-ferrous minerals
(b) Conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
(ii) What is a mineral?
(iii) How are minerals formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks?
(iv) Why do we need to conserve mineral resources?
Ans.
(i)
(a) Ferrous minerals :
Metallic minerals which contain iron are called ferrous minerals, e.g. iron ore manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.
Non-ferrous minerals:
Metallic minerals which do not contain iron are called non-ferrous minerals, e.g. copper, bauxite, tin, etc.
(b) Conventional
(a) Conventional sources of energy are those sources which have been use since the early times.
(b) They are exhaustible except for hydroenergy.
(c) They cause pollution when used as they emit smoke and ash.
(d) Their generation and use involve huge expenditure.
(e) Very expensive to maintain, store, transmit as they are carried over long distances through transmission grids.
(f) Examples are - coal, natural gas. water, fire-wood.
Non-conventional
(a) Non-conventional sources of energy have generally been identified in the recent past.
(b) They are inexhaustible.
(c) Generally, these are pollution-free.
(d) Low expenditure required.
(e) Less expensive due to local use and easy maintenance.
(f) Examples are - geothermal energy, solar energy wind energy, tidal energy, biogas energy, nuclear energy.
(ii) A mineral is a homogeneous, naturally occurring substance with a definable interior structure.
(iii) In igneous and metamorphic rocks, molten liquid and gaseous minerals are forced upwards into the cracks. They then solidify and form veins or lodes.
(iv) It takes millions of years for the formation of minerals. Compared to the present rate of consumption, the replenishment rate of minerals is very slow. Hence, mineral resources are finite and nonrenewable. Due to this, it is important that we conserve the mineral resources.
3. (i) Describe the distribution of coal in India.
(ii) Why do you think that solar energy has a bright future in India?
Ans. (i) The major resources of metallurgical coal belong to the Gondwana age and are located mainly in the north eastern part of the peninsula. Rich reserves of coal are found in the Damodar Valley region in the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. Raniganj in West Bengal and Jharia and Bokaro in Jharkhand are important coalfields. One third of the total production comes from here. Coal is also found in the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys. Korba in Chhattisgarh, Singrauli and Penahkanhan valley in Madhya Pradesh. Talcher in Odisha, Kamptee and Chandrapur in Maharashtra and Singareni of Andhra Pradesh are important coal mines. Tertiary coal occur in the north eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nasal and. Principal lignite reserves are found in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu, (ii) Solar energy has a bright future in India because
(a) India being a tropical country receives sunlight in abundance throughout the year.
(b) Solar plants can be easily established in rural and remote areas.
(c) It will minimize the dependence of rural households on firewood and dunk cakes which in turn will contribute to environmental conservation and adequate supply of manure in agriculture
(Session 2025 - 26)