Chapter-5 Minerals and energy resources

 (b) Bauxite

Explanation:

Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that forms through the weathering and decomposition of rocks, especially those rich in aluminum and silicate minerals. The process releases aluminum and other elements that combine with oxygen to form aluminum oxides, the primary components of bauxite. These oxides accumulate in a residual mass of weathered material left after the decomposition of the original rock. Bauxite can be several meters thick and is typically mined and processed to extract aluminum, which is used in various industrial applications.

(b) Mica

Explanation:

Koderma, a district in Jharkhand, India, is the country's leading producer of mica minerals. Mica is highly valued for its physical and chemical properties, which make it useful in various industrial and commercial applications. Koderma has abundant deposits of mica minerals found in its hills and forests, and the mines in the district are among the largest and most productive in India. The mining of mica in Koderma is a major contributor to the district's economy.

(a) Sedimentary Rocks

Explanation:

 Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments such as sand, mud, and gravel. Many minerals are deposited and accumulated in the strata of sedimentary rocks during the process of sedimentation. These minerals can come from various sources and can become trapped within the sediment layers, becoming part of the sedimentary rock. Examples of minerals commonly found in sedimentary rocks include quartz, feldspar, clay minerals, calcite, and gypsum.

(c) Thorium

Explanation:

Thorium is a radioactive element that is naturally found in small amounts in various minerals, including monazite sand. Monazite sand is a rare earth phosphate mineral primarily composed of cerium, lanthanum, and thorium, along with smaller amounts of other elements. The sand is typically found in beach sands, particularly in countries with extensive coastlines such as India and Brazil, and is processed using chemical methods to extract rare earth minerals and other elements, including thorium.

Explanation:

Ferrous minerals are metallic minerals that contain iron as their primary constituent element. These minerals are essential raw materials for many industries worldwide, and they are used in a variety of applications such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Some of the most well-known ferrous minerals include iron ore, manganese, nickel, cobalt.

Non-ferrous minerals are a type of metallic minerals that do not contain iron as a major component, and they encompass a wide range of minerals including but not limited to gold, copper, zinc, silver, tin, lead, and aluminum. These minerals are highly valued for their unique properties and applications in various industries, including construction, electronics, aerospace, and transportation.

Explanation:

Conventional sources of energy, which have been traditionally used to meet the energy demands of human civilization, encompass a diverse range of fuels including firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and both hydel and thermal electricity

non-conventional sources of energy, which are gaining prominence in recent times due to their renewable and sustainable nature, comprise solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.

Explanation:

minerals are homogeneous, naturally occurring substances with a well-defined internal structure. They exist in diverse forms and are present abundantly in nature, encompassing an extensive range of materials that span from the hardest diamond to the softest talc. Minerals are an essential component of the earth's crust and have a wide range of practical applications in various industries.

Explanation:

In igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals can occur in the cracks, crevices, faults, or joints. Veins typically refer to smaller deposits, while lodes are used to describe larger ones. These mineral deposits are important sources of valuable resources and are often formed through geological processes such as cooling, heating, pressure, and deformation.

Explanation:

 Mineral deposits make up only one percent of the Earth's crust, making them a scarce resource. While they are important for industrial and economic activities, mineral resources are not infinite, and their geological formation processes are very slow. This contrasts with the fast rate of consumption, driven by population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and technological advancements. To conserve mineral resources, it is necessary to reduce consumption, increase recycling and reuse, and promote sustainable mining practices. Managing mineral resources carefully and sustainably is crucial because they are a finite and valuable resource.

Explanation:

In India, coal is found in rock series of two main geological ages: Gondwana and Tertiary deposits.

Gondwana.  

Gondwana coal, which is approximately 200 million years old, is the major resource of coal in India. It is primarily located in Damodar Valley in West Bengal and Jharkhand states, where the Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro coalfields are significant sources. Other areas of 

Gondwana coal deposits in India include Godavari valley, Mahanadi valley, Son valley, and Wardha valley.

Tertiary deposits

Tertiary coal, which is approximately 55 million years old, occurs in the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. These states are home to some of the most significant reserves of tertiary coal in India. The coal deposits in Meghalaya are particularly noteworthy as they are of high-quality and can be easily extracted through open-cast mining.

Explanation:

 India has a bright future for solar energy due to its tropical climate and abundant potential for solar energy generation. The popularity of solar energy is growing in rural and remote areas, and India's largest solar power plant is located in Madhapur near Bhuj, where solar energy is used to sterilize milk cans. The use of solar energy is expected to reduce the dependence of rural households on firewood and dung cakes, which will contribute to environmental conservation and adequate supply of manure in agriculture.Solar energy is a renewable and non-conventional source of energy, and its use will not only be beneficial for the environment but also reduce India's dependence on oil and gas. the development and use of solar energy in India have significant potential to contribute to sustainable development and energy security.