Why is conservation of mineral resources essential? Explain any three methods of conserving mineral resources.
The geological processes of mineral formation are so slow that rates of replenishment are infinitely small in comparison to the present rates of consumption.
Mineral resources are, therefore, finite and non-renewable.
The methods for conservation:
(i) Improved technologies need to be constantly evolved to allow use of low grade ores at low coasts.
(ii) Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes.
(iii) Usage of mineral resources in planned and sustainable manner.
Why is there a pressing need for using renewable energy sources in India? Explain any five reasons.
There is a pressing need to use renewable energy resources in India because-
(i) The growing consumption of energy has resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossils fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
(ii) Rising prices of oil and gas and their potential shortages.
(iii) Uncertainties about the security of energy supply in future.
(iv) The serious repercussions it has on the growth of the national economy.
(v) Increasing use of fossil fuels also causes serious environmental problems.
Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? Assess the importance of its different forms.
Coal is the most abundantly used fossil fuel in the country. It provides a substantial part of the nation’s energy needs.
(i) Lignite-It is a low-grade brown coal, which is soft with high moisture content and used for electricity generation.
(ii) Bituminous coal- The coal that has been buried deep and subjected to increased temperature is bituminous coal. It is the most popular coal in commercial use.
(iii) Anthracite- It is the highest quality hard coal and considered a metallurgical coal which has a special value for smelting iron in blast furnaces.
'Energy saved is energy produced.' Assess the statement.
Conservation of energy is essential because it protects our environment from green house gas emission and also saves valuable resources from getting depleted. If we save energy then only more energy can be produced. It is essential to use non- conventional sources of energy.
Following are some measures to conserve energy resources:
(i.) We should try to use more and more public transport system instead of private vehicles.
(ii.) Electronic devices must be switched off when not in use.
(iii.) It is necessary to use more and more power saving devices.
(iv.) Reduce consumption of non- renewable sources of energy.
(v.) If possible solar power should be used to generate electricity.
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