CBSE Class 10 Geography • 2026–27
Minerals and Energy Resources Class 10 Important Questions with Answers
Exam-focused 2-mark, 3-mark, 5-mark, case-based and map-practice questions
A high-value revision set covering mineral occurrence, mineral groups, distribution, energy resources, conservation and sustainable resource use.
How to use this page: Attempt each question without looking at the answer first. For 3- and 5-mark questions, practise writing in numbered points with keywords and relevant examples. This page complements the chapter hub, Questions & Answers and MCQs.
SECTION A
2-Mark Important Questions with Answers
1Define a mineral. Mention two characteristics.
Answer: A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous substance with a definable internal structure and characteristic chemical composition. It is formed through natural geological processes.
2Why are minerals unevenly distributed over India?
Answer: Mineral formation depends on geological structure, rock type and geological processes. These conditions vary from region to region, producing an uneven distribution.
3What are ferrous minerals? Give two examples.
Answer: Ferrous minerals contain iron as an important constituent. Iron ore and manganese are important examples.
4What are non-ferrous minerals? Give two examples.
Answer: Non-ferrous minerals do not have iron as their main constituent. Copper and bauxite are examples.
5What are veins and lodes?
Answer: Veins and lodes are mineral deposits that occur in cracks, crevices, faults and joints of igneous and metamorphic rocks. They may contain metallic minerals.
6Why is bauxite important?
Answer: Bauxite is the chief ore of aluminium. Aluminium is widely used because it is light, durable and useful in transport, electrical and other industries.
7Why is mica economically important?
Answer: Mica has excellent insulating properties and can withstand high temperatures, making it important for electrical and electronic industries.
8Why is limestone important to industry?
Answer: Limestone is a major raw material for cement and is also used in the iron and steel industry and other industrial processes.
9What is lignite?
Answer: Lignite is a low-grade brown coal with relatively high moisture content and lower calorific value than higher-grade coal.
10Why is petroleum called a versatile source of energy?
Answer: Petroleum provides fuels for transport and industry and also supplies raw material for petrochemical industries, which produce many useful products.
11State two uses of natural gas.
Answer: Natural gas is used for electricity generation and as a fuel in industry and households. It is also an important industrial raw material.
12What is meant by a non-conventional source of energy? Give two examples.
Answer: It refers to alternative energy sources that supplement traditional sources. Solar and wind energy are examples.
13Why should fossil fuels be conserved?
Answer: Coal, petroleum and natural gas are exhaustible and take very long periods to form. Their excessive use also causes pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
14Give two advantages of solar energy.
Answer: Solar energy is renewable and can be used in decentralised systems. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
15Mention two environmental problems caused by mining.
Answer: Mining can cause land degradation and water pollution. It may also result in deforestation, soil erosion and air pollution.
SECTION B
3-Mark Important Questions with Answers
16Explain three modes of occurrence of minerals.
Answer: (1) In veins and lodes in cracks and joints of igneous and metamorphic rocks. (2) In beds or layers of sedimentary rocks. (3) As alluvial or placer deposits in valley sands and at the base of hills. Some minerals may also remain as residual concentrations after weathering.
17Explain the importance of manganese.
Answer: (1) It is important in steel and ferro-manganese alloy production. (2) It is used in several chemical and industrial processes. (3) It has uses in products such as batteries and paints.
18Why is iron ore important for India's industrial development?
Answer: (1) It is the basic raw material for iron and steel. (2) Steel supports construction, transport, machinery and infrastructure. (3) Therefore iron ore availability is closely linked with industrial development.
19Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals.
Answer: Ferrous minerals contain iron as an important constituent, such as iron ore and manganese. Non-ferrous minerals do not have iron as their main constituent, such as copper and bauxite. Both are important industrial raw materials.
20Why is mining considered an environmentally sensitive activity?
Answer: Mining removes vegetation and soil, changes landforms and produces waste. It may cause land degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution and water contamination.
21Suggest three measures for conserving mineral resources.
Answer: (1) Reduce wastage during mining and processing. (2) Recycle and reuse mineral-based materials. (3) Improve technology and use suitable substitutes where possible.
22Describe the importance of coal in India.
Answer: Coal is a major commercial source of energy. It is used in thermal power generation and several industries, and it supports industrial development. Because it is exhaustible, efficient use and conservation are important.
23Differentiate between conventional and non-conventional sources of energy.
Answer: Conventional sources have been traditionally used on a large scale, such as coal and petroleum. Non-conventional sources include alternatives such as solar and wind energy. Many non-conventional sources are renewable and can diversify energy supply.
24Explain three uses of petroleum.
Answer: (1) Petroleum products provide transport fuels. (2) They are used as fuels in industry. (3) Petroleum is also an important raw material for petrochemical industries.
25Why is natural gas an important energy resource?
Answer: It is used in power generation, industry, transport and households. It also serves as an industrial raw material and generally burns more cleanly than coal at the point of use.
26Explain three advantages of renewable energy for India.
Answer: (1) Renewable sources reduce dependence on exhaustible fossil fuels. (2) They diversify the energy mix. (3) Suitable renewable sources can reduce certain environmental impacts and support long-term energy security.
27Why should India diversify its energy sources?
Answer: (1) It reduces dependence on a single fuel. (2) It improves energy security against supply disruptions. (3) It allows greater use of suitable renewable resources and can reduce environmental pressure.
28Explain the importance of electricity in modern economic activity.
Answer: Electricity powers industries, homes, agriculture, transport-related systems, communication and services. Reliable electricity increases productivity and supports economic development.
29How can households contribute to energy conservation?
Answer: Households can use energy-efficient appliances, switch off unnecessary equipment, avoid fuel wastage and make suitable use of renewable systems such as solar power.
30Explain the relationship between resource conservation and sustainable development.
Answer: Sustainable development requires meeting present needs without compromising future needs. Efficient use, recycling and conservation of finite minerals and energy resources help maintain this balance.
31Why are mineral-based industries often influenced by the location of raw materials?
Answer: Many minerals are bulky and costly to transport. Locating industries closer to mineral sources can reduce transport costs and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials.
32Explain why solar energy has strong potential in India.
Answer: India has a large geographical area and receives substantial solar radiation for much of the year. This creates considerable potential for solar electricity and decentralised applications.
33State three ways in which better technology can support resource conservation.
Answer: Better technology can improve extraction efficiency, reduce processing losses and enable recycling or recovery of valuable materials. It can also improve energy efficiency and pollution control.
SECTION C
5-Mark Important Questions with Answers
34Describe the major iron ore belts of India.
Answer: (1) Odisha-Jharkhand belt: Important hematite deposits occur in areas such as Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar in Odisha and Gua and Noamundi in Jharkhand. (2) Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt: It includes the Bailadila range of Chhattisgarh and extends towards Maharashtra. (3) Bellary-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt: Located in Karnataka and includes the Kudremukh region. (4) Maharashtra-Goa belt: Includes Goa and the Ratnagiri region of Maharashtra. These belts are important sources of iron ore for industry.
35Explain the different modes of occurrence of minerals with suitable examples.
Answer: Minerals occur in different geological settings. They may occur in veins and lodes in cracks and joints of igneous and metamorphic rocks; in beds and layers of sedimentary rocks; as residual deposits after weathering; and as alluvial or placer deposits in valley sands. Some minerals are also present in ocean waters, although many are too widely dispersed for economical extraction.
36Why is conservation of minerals essential? Explain suitable measures.
Answer: Minerals are finite and generally non-renewable on a human time scale. Rapid extraction can reduce reserves and damage the environment. Conservation requires efficient extraction and processing, reduction of wastage, recycling and reuse, development of suitable substitutes, better technology and environmentally responsible mining.
37Describe the major conventional sources of energy used in India.
Answer: Coal is widely used in power generation and industry. Petroleum supplies transport fuels and petrochemical raw materials. Natural gas is used in power generation, industry, transport and households. Hydel power generates electricity from flowing or falling water. These sources have supported economic development, but fossil fuels are exhaustible and have environmental impacts.
38Explain the importance of non-conventional sources of energy for India.
Answer: Non-conventional sources can diversify India's energy supply and reduce dependence on exhaustible fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy have large potential in suitable areas, while other alternatives such as tidal, geothermal and bio-energy can supplement the energy mix. Their expansion can support energy security and sustainable development when planned responsibly.
39Compare conventional and non-conventional energy resources.
Answer: Conventional sources such as coal and petroleum have long been used commercially and many are exhaustible. Non-conventional sources such as solar and wind are alternatives and many are renewable. Fossil fuels generally create greater air and greenhouse-gas impacts during combustion, while renewable sources can reduce operational emissions. A balanced energy mix is important for reliability and sustainability.
40Explain the importance of minerals in the economic development of a country.
Answer: Minerals provide raw materials for iron and steel, aluminium, cement, electrical equipment, chemicals and other industries. They support construction, infrastructure, transport and manufacturing. Mineral resources therefore contribute to industrialisation and employment, but extraction must be managed sustainably to protect land and water.
41Explain the environmental problems associated with mining and suggest measures to reduce them.
Answer: Mining can cause deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion, dust and air pollution, and contamination of water. Measures include scientific mining, controlled blasting, proper waste disposal, dust suppression, water treatment, land reclamation, afforestation, environmental monitoring and strong worker-safety practices.
SECTION D
Case-Based and Competency Questions
Case 1 — Mineral Conservation: A mineral-rich district has experienced rapid extraction. Mine waste has increased and nearby land has degraded. The administration wants to maintain industrial activity while reducing resource wastage.
(a) Why does rapid extraction create a conservation concern?
Answer: Minerals form over geological periods and are finite on a human time scale, so rapid extraction can reduce available reserves.
(b) Give two measures that can improve resource efficiency.
Answer: Improve extraction/processing efficiency and recycle or reuse mineral-based materials.
(c) Why is land reclamation important?
Answer: It helps restore degraded land and reduce the long-term environmental effects of mining.
Case 2 — Energy Choice: A region receives strong sunlight and has suitable wind conditions. It currently depends heavily on coal for electricity. Planners want a more diversified energy mix.
(a) Name two suitable renewable sources.
Answer: Solar energy and wind energy.
(b) State one benefit of diversification.
Answer: It reduces dependence on one fuel and can improve energy security.
(c) Does renewable energy remove the need for energy conservation? Explain.
Answer: No. Efficient energy use reduces unnecessary demand, costs and resource pressure even when renewable sources are expanded.
Case 3 — Industry and Minerals: A steel company is deciding between two locations. One is close to a major iron ore belt but farther from a large market; the other is close to the market but far from iron ore mines.
(a) Why is proximity to iron ore relevant?
Answer: Iron ore is a bulky raw material, so shorter transport distances can reduce costs.
(b) What other factors should the company consider?
Answer: It should consider power, water, transport infrastructure, labour, market access and environmental requirements.
(c) What does this example show about mineral distribution?
Answer: Mineral resources are unevenly distributed because their occurrence depends on geological conditions.
Case 4 — Sustainable Development: A town replaces inefficient street lighting with energy-efficient systems and installs solar panels on selected public buildings. The municipality also begins recycling metal waste.
(a) Which two resource-management principles are illustrated?
Answer: Energy efficiency and recycling/resource conservation.
(b) How can solar panels improve the town's energy mix?
Answer: They can add renewable electricity and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.
(c) Why is this approach linked with sustainable development?
Answer: It meets present needs while reducing unnecessary resource use and protecting future resource availability.
SECTION E
Map-Based Important Questions
Map-work focus: Practise the prescribed mineral locations and the listed thermal and nuclear power plants. Learn both the resource and the state/location association.
| Category | Locations to Practise | Expected Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore Mines | Mayurbhanj, Durg, Bailadila, Bellary, Kudremukh | Identification |
| Coal Mines | Raniganj, Bokaro, Talcher, Neyveli | Identification |
| Oil Fields | Digboi, Naharkatia, Mumbai High, Bassien, Kalol, Ankaleshwar | Identification |
| Thermal Power Plants | Namrup, Singrauli, Ramagundam | Locating and labelling |
| Nuclear Power Plants | Narora, Kakrapara, Tarapur, Kalpakkam | Locating and labelling |
46Name any two prescribed iron ore mine locations.
Answer: Mayurbhanj and Bailadila. Other prescribed locations include Durg, Bellary and Kudremukh.
47Name any two prescribed coal mine locations.
Answer: Raniganj and Bokaro. Talcher and Neyveli are also included.
48Name the prescribed oil-field locations.
Answer: Digboi, Naharkatia, Mumbai High, Bassien, Kalol and Ankaleshwar.
49Name the three prescribed thermal power plants.
Answer: Namrup, Singrauli and Ramagundam.
50Name the four prescribed nuclear power plants.
Answer: Narora, Kakrapara, Tarapur and Kalpakkam.
EXAM STRATEGY
How to Score Better in This Chapter
2 marks: Write two direct points. 3 marks: Give three distinct points with keywords. 5 marks: Use a brief opening and 4–5 organised points. For map questions, practise locating each place repeatedly rather than only reading names.
High-value keywords
geological structure • veins and lodes • sedimentary strata • alluvial deposits • ferrous • non-ferrous • conservation • fossil fuels • renewable • energy security • sustainable development • environmental impact • recycling • resource efficiency
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not confuse bauxite with aluminium, lignite with anthracite, or thermal plants with nuclear plants. Do not write that every renewable source is impact-free. For comparison questions, always give a basis such as availability, renewability, environmental impact or use.
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