10th CBSE notes from Minerals and Energy Resources

Why is there a pressing need to use non-conventional sources of energy in India? Explain any three reasons. (2 Marks )

Answer:

1. The growing consumption of energy has resulted in India becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas which are found in limited quantity on the earth.
2. Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages have raised uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future
3. Increasing use of fossil fuels also causes serious environmental degradation like air pollution, water pollution etc.
   So there is an urgent need to use sustainable energy resources like solar, water, wind, tide biomass etc.

“Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives.” Comment. (2 Marks )
Answer:

1. Almost everything we use, from a tiny pin to a towering building or a ship, all are made from minerals. 
2. All means of transport are manufactured from minerals and run on power resources derived from the earth.
3.  Even the food that we eat contains minerals. 
4. Human beings have used minerals for their livelihood, decorations, festivities and in all stages of development.

Explain the difference between Conventional and Non conventional source of energy with example.  ( 3 marks )

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY	NON-CONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF ENERGY
Meaning	Conventional sources of energy are the sources that are commonly in use since long time.	Non-conventional sources of energy refers to the sources that are identified few decades ago.
Exhaustible	They can be exhausted due to over consumption.	They cannot be exhausted.
Pollution	They pollute environment, on a large scale and adds to global warming.	They are environment friendly sources, which does not causes pollution.
Use	They are primarily used for industrial and commercial purposes.	They are mainly used for domestic purposes.
Expense	Costly.	Comparatively less expensive.
Example	Coal, Petroleum and Natural gas	Solar, Wind, Tidal etc.

Why is conservation of mineral resources essential? Explain any three methods of conserving mineral resources.  ( 5 Marks )

Answer:
Minerals conservation is essential because:

1. Minerals are non-renewable or finite in nature.
2. The rate of formation of minerals is very slow in comparison to the rate of consumption.
3.  The geological processes of mineral formation takes place over millions of years.
4. They are valuable and short-lived possessions of a country. 
5. Continued extraction leads to increasing costs as they are taken from greater depths along with decrease in quality.

The following are the three methods of conserving minerals.

1. Minerals have to be used in a planned and sustainable manner.
2. Improved technologies should be evolved to make use of low grade ores at low costs.
3. Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes would help in the conservation of minerals.
4. Using better mining methods will also help to reduce wastage