Class 8 Geography Ch 3 Mineral and Power Resources

 Class 8 Geography Ch 3 Mineral and Power Resources

Answers:

(i) Three common minerals used by us every day are:

1. Salt (Sodium Chloride)
2. Calcium Carbonate (used in toothpaste)
3. Iron (found in many foods, including red meat, poultry, fish, and fortified breakfast cereals)

(ii) An ore is a natural mineral deposit that contains a high concentration of a particular metal or mineral that can be economically extracted. The ores of metallic minerals are generally located in areas where geological processes have concentrated these minerals. Such regions include igneous and metamorphic rocks, sedimentary deposits, and hydrothermal veins.

 

(iii) Two regions rich in natural gas resources are:

 

Middle East (includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, and Kuwait)

Russia (has the largest natural gas reserves in the world)

(iv) For:

(a) Rural areas: Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass energy would be suitable as they are often located in remote areas with low access to grid electricity.

(b) Coastal areas: Renewable sources such as tidal and wave energy would be suitable due to the proximity to the ocean.

(c) Arid regions: Solar and wind energy would be suitable due to the availability of ample sunlight and wind.

 

(v) Five ways to save energy at home are:

 

Turn off lights and appliances when not in use

Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances

Set the thermostat to a lower temperature in winter and higher temperature in summer

Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperature settings

Install weather stripping and insulation to reduce heating and cooling losses.

3. Give Reasons:

(i) Environmental aspects must be carefully looked into before building huge dams because they can cause significant ecological impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and displacement of local communities. Dams also alter river flows, which can affect downstream ecosystems and wildlife populations.

(ii) Most industries are concentrated around coal mines because coal is a cheap and abundant source of energy for industrial processes. Proximity to coal mines reduces transportation costs and ensures a steady supply of fuel.

(iii) Petroleum is referred to as "black gold" because it is a valuable natural resource that plays a critical role in the global economy. It is used to produce gasoline, diesel, and other fuels that power transportation and industry. The term "black gold" also refers to the black color of crude oil, which is the primary form of petroleum.

(iv) Quarrying can become a major environmental concern because it involves the removal of large amounts of rock, soil, and vegetation. This can lead to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Quarrying can also have negative impacts on local communities, including noise pollution and reduced property values.

 

4. Distinguish between the following.

(i) Conventional sources of energy are those that have been used for a long time and are widely available, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and hydropower. Non-conventional sources of energy, on the other hand, are those that have emerged more recently and are still in the development phase, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

(ii) Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as animal manure and food waste, while natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in underground reservoirs. Biogas is a renewable source of energy, while natural gas is non-renewable.

(iii) Ferrous minerals contain iron as a major component, while non-ferrous minerals do not. Examples of ferrous minerals include iron ore, manganese, and chromite, while non-ferrous minerals include copper, lead, and zinc.

(iv) Metallic minerals are those that contain metal in pure form or in combination with other elements, while non-metallic minerals do not contain metal. Examples of metallic minerals include gold, silver,