Class 12 Geography chapter 5 ncert solutions: Mineral and Energy Resources question answer
| Textbook | Ncert |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 |
| Chapter Name | Mineral and Energy Resources class 12 ncert solutions |
| Category | Ncert Solutions |
| Medium | English |
Are you looking for class 12 geography chapter 5 question answer? Now you can download Mineral and Energy Resources question answer pdf from here.
Question 1: Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below
Question 1.(i): In which one of the following States are the major oil fields located?
(a) Assam
(b) Bihar
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer 1.(i): (a) Assam
Question 1.(ii): At which one of the following places was the first atomic power station started?
(a) Kalpakkam
(b) Narora
(c) Rana Pratap Sagar
(d) Tarapur
Answer 1.(ii): (d) Tarapur
Question 1.(iii): Which one of the following is non-renewable source of energy?
(a) Hydel
(b) Solar
(c) Thermal
(d) Wind power
Answer 1.(iii): (c) Thermal
Question 2: Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
Question 2.(i): Give an account of the distribution of mica in India.
Answer 2.(i): Mica in India is produced in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. In Jharkhand high quality mica is obtained in a belt extending over a distance of about 150 km, in length and about 22 km, in width in lower Hazaribagh plateau. In Andhra Pradesh. Nellore district produces the best quality mica.
In Rajasthan mica belt extends for about 320 kms from Jaipur to Bhilwara and around Udaipur. Mica deposits also occur in Mysore and Hasan districts of Karnataka, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Kannyakumari in Tamil Nadu, Alleppey in Kerala, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Purulia and Bankura in West Bengal.
Question 2.(ii): What is nuclear power? Mention the important nuclear power stations in India.
Answer 2.(ii): Nuclear power is a form of energy produced by harnessing the heat generated from nuclear reactions, primarily through nuclear fission. In fission, the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, splits into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.
This energy is used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Nuclear power is considered a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels because it emits minimal greenhouse gases during operation. However, it requires stringent safety measures due to the potential hazards of radiation and the challenge of managing nuclear waste.
India has several important nuclear power stations contributing to its energy needs. Key facilities include the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra), which was the first commercial nuclear power station in India; the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (Rajasthan); the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu), built with Russian assistance; the Kaiga Generating Station (Karnataka); and the Narora Atomic Power Station (Uttar Pradesh). These power stations are vital for India’s energy security and play a significant role in its transition to sustainable energy sources.
Question 2.(iii): Name non-ferrous metal. Discuss their spatial distribution.
Answer 2.(iii): Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron and are not magnetic. Examples include aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel, and precious metals like gold and silver. These metals are valued for their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and conductivity properties, making them essential in industries such as aerospace, electronics, construction, and manufacturing.
The spatial distribution of non-ferrous metals varies globally, often influenced by geological formations. In India, aluminum is produced from bauxite, with major reserves found in Odisha (Panchpatmali hills), Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Copper deposits are located in Rajasthan (Khetri mines), Madhya Pradesh (Malajkhand), and Jharkhand (Singhbhum).
Lead and zinc are largely concentrated in Rajasthan, particularly in the Zawar mines. Gold is mined in Karnataka (Kolar and Hutti mines) and Andhra Pradesh. Globally, countries like Australia, China, Russia, and the United States are leading producers of non-ferrous metals due to their vast mineral reserves and advanced mining technology. These metals are strategically important and their distribution significantly impacts industrial development and trade patterns.
Question 2.(iv): What are non-conventional sources of energy?
Answer 2.(iv): Non-conventional energy, are sources that are continuously replenished by natural processes. Examples include energy sources like solar, wind, hydro- geothermal and biomass. The non-conventional energy sources will provide more sustained, eco-friendly cheaper energy after the initial cost is taken care of.
Question 3: Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
Question 3.(i): Write a detailed note on the Petroleum resources of India.
Answer 3.(i): Crude petroleum occurs in sedimentary rocks of the tertiary period. Oil exploration and production was systematically taken up after the Oil and Natural Gas Commission was set up in 1956. Till then, the Digboi in Assam was the only oil producing region but the scenario has changed after 1956. In recent years, new oil deposits have been found at the extreme western and eastern parts of the country.
In Assam, Digboi, Naharkatiya and Moran are important oil producing areas. The major oil fields of Gujarat are Ankaleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Nawagam, Kosamba and Lunej. Mumbai High which lies 160 km off Mumbai was discovered in 1973 and production commenced in 1976. Oil and natural gas have been found in exploratory wells in Krishna-Godavari and Kaveri basin on the east coast.
Question 3.(ii): Write an essay on hydel power in India.
Answer 3.(ii): Hydel Power in India
Hydel power, or hydroelectric power, is one of the most significant sources of renewable energy in India, harnessed by utilizing the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It is a clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to India’s energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India, with its abundant rivers and varied topography, has immense potential for hydroelectric power generation, making it a critical component of the country’s energy mix.
Potential and Development
India is blessed with several major river systems, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Godavari, which offer immense hydropower potential. According to estimates, India’s total hydropower potential is approximately 145,000 MW, of which a significant portion remains untapped. Efforts to exploit this potential began during the pre-independence era, with projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Since then, numerous projects have been developed, making India one of the top producers of hydroelectric power in the world.
Major Hydel Power Projects
India’s major hydel power projects are spread across its diverse geography. The Bhakra Nangal Project in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, and the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat are some of the country’s largest hydroelectric initiatives. In the northeast, the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is a significant undertaking. In southern India, the Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project in Karnataka is a key contributor to the region’s energy needs. Additionally, the Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh and the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra are vital sources of hydropower.
Advantages of Hydel Power
Hydropower has numerous advantages. It is renewable and does not rely on depleting resources like coal or natural gas. It helps mitigate climate change by producing electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Hydel projects also serve multiple purposes, such as irrigation, flood control, and water supply, alongside power generation. Moreover, they contribute to local economic development by creating jobs and improving infrastructure in remote areas.
Challenges in Hydel Power Development
Despite its advantages, hydropower development in India faces challenges. The construction of dams often leads to displacement of communities, loss of biodiversity, and changes in river ecosystems. The high initial investment required for hydropower projects and delays due to environmental clearances further complicate their development. Seasonal variations in water flow and the growing impact of climate change on river systems also affect the reliability of hydropower generation.
Future Prospects
India is actively working to expand its hydropower capacity. The government has introduced policies to encourage private investment, streamline environmental clearances, and promote small and micro-hydropower projects, which have less environmental impact. The integration of hydropower with other renewable sources, such as solar and wind, is also being explored to ensure a stable and diversified energy grid.