Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 6 Geography Chapter 7 Minerals and Ores Exercises

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Minerals are substances that are naturally present in the earth and are not formed from animal or vegetable matter.
2. An ore is a naturally occurring solid material from which a mineral, generally a metal, can be profitably extracted.
3. Minerals are generally classified as metallic and non-metallic minerals.
4. Metallic minerals include iron ore, uranium, bauxite, manganese, gold, silver and copper.
5. Non-metallic minerals include limestone, mica, coal and petroleum.
6. Mining is the process of taking out minerals and other substances from the earth.
7. There are two types of mining-surface mining and underground mining.
8. It is important to conserve minerals as they take thousands of years to form.

IMPORTANT TERMS

1. Ferrous minerals : Minerals which contain iron, such as iron ore, manganese and chrome.
2. Non - ferrous minerals : Minerals that do not contain iron, such as gold, silver, copper and lead.
3. Ore : A naturally occurring solid material from which a particular mineral, usually a metal, can be profitably extracted.

THINK AND ANSWER

Question 1: How would our life be affected if coal, petroleum and natural gas were exhausted in the next 30 years?
Answer:
If all the exhaustible natural resources are exhausted by human activities, then the survival of living beings would not be possible. Actually, fossil fuels are the most important source of energy for us today. They are concentrated source of energy and give off heat and light on burning. The heat can be used to cook food or to run engines such as automobile engines. It can be used to generate electricity as in powerhouse where the most common fuel used is coal. Everything will not be available.
These fossil fuels provide the energy for almost everything in our modern world. Without them, we would have to find completely new ways to transport goods and power our homes.
Teacher's Tip: Think of fossil fuels like a battery that takes millions of years to charge but only a few minutes to drain.
Exam Tip: Always mention that fossil fuels are "exhaustible" or "non-renewable" in your answers.

VALUES AND LIFE SKILLS

Question 1: Conventional energy resources-coal and petroleum- are very important for a country. Therefore, we need to be careful while using them. Can you suggest some ways by which we can reduce the use of conventional energy resources?
Answer:
1. Use more energy efficient by using energy saver products like LED lights etc.
2. Use Bicycles for shorter distances instead of cars or bikes.
3. Switch off the lights when not required.
Saving energy at home directly reduces the amount of coal burned in power plants. Every small action, like unplugging a charger, helps protect our environment from pollution.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "Three S" rule: Switch off, Save energy, and Substitute with bicycles!
Exam Tip: Use a clear list to present multiple suggestions for saving energy to ensure you cover all points.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks

1. All rocks are composed of minerals.
2. Minerals are obtained by a process called mining.
3. Metallic minerals are generally found in igneous rocks.
4. Ferrous minerals contain iron.
5. Peat has very little carbon.
These minerals provide the basic building blocks for everything from jewelry to large skyscrapers. Understanding where minerals come from helps us appreciate the natural resources inside the Earth.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that metallic minerals are usually found in 'hot' rocks like Igneous ones.
Exam Tip: Underline the blank words in your answer to make them stand out to the teacher.

B. Write true or false

1. Metals can be profitably extracted from ores. True.
2. Metallic minerals are generally found in sedimentary rocks. False.
Correct - Metallic minerals are generally found in igneous rocks.
3. Bauxite is the lightest metal. True.
4. Bituminous coal has the highest carbon content. False.
Correct - Anthracite coal has the highest carbon content.
5. Mica is a metallic mineral. False.
Correct- Mica is a non-metallic mineral.
Knowing which rock types hold certain minerals is essential for geologists looking to start a new mine. Metals like bauxite are chosen for industries because of their unique physical properties like being lightweight.
Teacher's Tip: "True" statements often use words like "generally" or "can be," while "False" ones might use "always" or "never."
Exam Tip: Always write the full word 'True' or 'False' rather than just 'T' or 'F'.

C. Match the columns
A
1. bauxite
2. copper
3. limestone
4. anthracite
5. petroleum
B
(i) metallic mineral
(ii) black gold
(iii) light metal
(iv) non-metallic mineral
(v) coal
Answer:
1. bauxite - (iii) light metal
2. copper - (i) metallic mineral
3. limestone - (iv) non-metallic mineral
4. anthracite - (v) coal
5. petroleum - (ii) black gold
This exercise helps students connect specific minerals with their industrial classifications and unique physical properties. For instance, it highlights that petroleum is so valuable it is nicknamed 'black gold' and that bauxite is the primary source for light metals like aluminium.
Teacher's Tip: Use the first letter trick: 'A' for Anthracite matches 'C' for Coal, as it is the highest quality grade available.
Exam Tip: Always rewrite the correct matched pairs side-by-side to make your answer sheet clear and professional for the examiner.

D. Answer the following questions in brief:

Question 1: What is a mineral?
Answer:
Minerals are substances that are naturally present in the earth and are not formed from animal or vegetable matter.
Minerals are not made from living things like plants or animals, which makes them 'inorganic.' They have a fixed chemical structure that gives them unique colors and hardness.
Teacher's Tip: Think of minerals as the "ingredients" that make up the "cake" of a rock.
Exam Tip: Include the fact that they are "naturally occurring" and "inorganic" to get full marks.

Question 2: Name a few minerals.
Answer:
Diamonds, quartz, topaz, gypsum, iron, copper, bauxite, zinc, gold, silver, manganese, etc.
Many of these minerals are found in everyday items like your pencil lead (graphite) or copper wiring. Some, like diamonds and gold, are valued for their beauty and rarity.
Teacher's Tip: Group them into metals (gold, iron) and non-metals (diamonds, quartz) to memorize them better.
Exam Tip: List at least five to six examples to provide a comprehensive answer.

Question 3: What is an ore?
Answer:
An ore is a naturally occurring solid material that contains a large amount of a particular material, using a metal which can profitably extracted, eg. iron ores, copper ores, bauxite (from which aluminium is extracted) zinc, etc.
Ores are like 'treasure rocks' because they contain a high enough concentration of metal to be worth digging up. Processed ores give us the pure metals needed for building cars and electronics.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: All ores are minerals, but not all minerals are ores.
Exam Tip: Mentioning the word "profitably" is essential when defining an ore.

Question 4: What is the main difference between a ferrous and a non- ferrous mineral?
Answer:

Ferrous minerals :
1. These minerals contain iron.
2. They have high tensile strength.
3. Examples: Iron ore, manganese and chrome.
Non-ferrous minerals:
1. These minerals does not contain iron.
2. They have low tensile strength.
3. Examples: Gold, silver, copper and lead.
Iron is the key ingredient that makes a mineral 'ferrous' and often gives it magnetic properties. Non-ferrous metals like gold are prized because they do not rust like iron does.
Teacher's Tip: "Ferrous" comes from the Latin word "Ferrum," which means Iron.
Exam Tip: Use a T-chart or separate headings to compare the two types clearly.

Question 5: Mention any two characteristics of iron ore.
Answer:
The most important mineral in the world is iron ore. It is known for its hardness, strength and ductility (it can be made or stretched into a thin wire).
Iron ore is the backbone of the construction industry because it can be turned into strong steel. Its ability to be stretched and shaped makes it perfect for making everything from needles to girders.
Teacher's Tip: "Ductility" is the special word for a metal's ability to be pulled into wires.
Exam Tip: Clearly state "Hardness" and "Ductility" as the two primary characteristics.

Question 6: Mention the different types of iron ore.
Answer:
There are four different types of iron ores-haematite, magnetite, limoniteandsiderite.
These names like 'magnetite' actually hint at the mineral's properties, like being magnetic. Different types of iron ore have varying levels of pure iron content inside them.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "H-M-L-S" to remember the types: Haematite, Magnetite, Limonite, Siderite.
Exam Tip: Spelling is important for these technical terms, so practice writing them out.

Question 7: What is surface mining?
Answer:
When the top layer of soil is removed and the rocks that lie underneath are extracted with the help of heavy machinery is called surface mining. Surface mining is done to extract minerals that are found close to the surface such as coal and some kinds of sedimentary rocks like limestone and mica.
This method is much safer and cheaper than digging deep underground tunnels. It is most effective for minerals that lie just under the grass and dirt.
Teacher's Tip: Surface mining is also known as "open-cast" mining because the mine is open to the sky.
Exam Tip: Mention that this method is used for minerals "close to the surface."

Question 8: Mention any three uses of coal.
Answer:
Coal is used for various purposes like cooking, heating and producing electricity, and in various industries.
Coal is often called 'buried sunshine' because it contains energy stored from plants millions of years ago. It remains one of the primary ways we produce electricity for our homes today.
Teacher's Tip: Coal is a fossil fuel, which means it is made from the remains of ancient forests.
Exam Tip: List specific uses like "electricity generation" and "industrial fuel" for a better score.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1: Differentiate between metallic and non-metallic minerals.
Answer:
Metallic Minerals :
1. These minerals contain metals, which are hard substances.
2. These minerals found in igneous rocks.
3. Examples: Iron ore, bauxtie, manganese and copper, etc.
Non-metallic Minerals:
1. These minerals does not contain extractable metals.
2. These minerals found in sedimentary rocks.
3. Examples: Coal, potash, limestone, gypsum, mica, etc.
Metallic minerals are usually shiny and can conduct heat, while non-metallic minerals are often used as building materials or fuels. The rock type they are found in tells us a lot about how those minerals were formed millions of years ago.
Teacher's Tip: Metals usually "shine," while non-metals like coal or mica do not have a metallic luster.
Exam Tip: Always include the type of rock (Igneous or Sedimentary) when differentiating these minerals.

Question 2: Give an account of iron ore production in the world.
Answer:
Iron is the main metal used for making steel, which is used in almost all industries. The main producers of iron are China ($42\%$), Australia ($22\%$), Brazil ($10\%$), South Africa, etc. India produces about $4\%$ of total iron ore. Main states in India are Odisha, MP, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
The percentage of iron a country produces often determines how fast its industries and cities can grow. India is a significant player in the global market, especially with states like Odisha leading the way.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that China is the world leader, producing nearly half of the global iron ore.
Exam Tip: Mention at least three major world producers and three Indian states for a complete answer.

Question 3: Give any three uses of copper.
Answer:
Uses of copper are :
1. Copper is mainly used in making electric and telephone wires.
2. It is also used in making pipes and coins.
3. Alloys such as brass and bronze are made using copper.
Copper is the best affordable conductor of electricity, which is why it is used in almost every power cable. When mixed with other metals, it creates strong alloys like bronze that have been used since ancient times.
Teacher's Tip: Copper's reddish-brown color makes it easy to identify in wires and coins.
Exam Tip: Use terms like "alloys" and "conductor" to show a higher level of geographical and scientific knowledge.

Question 4: What are the two types of mining? Elaborate on the differences between the two.
Answer:
The two types of mining are:
1. Surface mining - It is the removal of top layer of soil and rocks, to extract the minerals lying underneath is called surface mining. Surface mining is done to extract minerals that are found close to the surface such as coal and some kinds of sedimentary rocks like limestone and mica. In surface mining, the top layer of the soil is removed, large pits or holes are dug and the rocks that lie underneath are extracted with the help of heavy machinery. These pits are called open cast mines or quarries. Open cast mining is a common form of coal mining in India. In surface mining, trees and other natural vegetation are destroyed.
2. Underground mining - It is the one in which a shaft is dug which is long, narrow passage and vertically deep into the ground and then people or heavy machinery is sent down, the tunnels are blasted using dynamite to extract the minerals, eg. gold, silver, etc. Underground mining: In underground mining, a shaft, which is a long, narrow passage, is dug vertically deep into the groud. People and machinery are then sent down through this shaft. Sometimes, after after descending into the shaft, tunnels are blasted into the earth with the help of dynamite. Then the men and machines move about through these tunnels to take out things such as coal, gold, silver, tin, lead and copper. Underground mining causes sinking of the land, underground water pollution and surface water pollution, among other things.
Choosing between surface and underground mining depends on how deep the 'vein' of the mineral goes. While surface mining affects the landscape more, underground mining is more technically difficult and dangerous for workers.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a shaft as an elevator for miners to reach deep treasures.
Exam Tip: Be sure to list the environmental impacts of each type of mining to score full marks.

Question 5: Describe the importance of minerals.
Answer:
Minerals play an important role in our daily lives. A number of things of our daily use such as door knobs, latches, window grills, utensils, etc. are made of minerals. Iron and its alloy, steel, is used in making bridges, buildings, and wide range of machines and tools, which have made our life simpler and easier. Copper wires are used in our electrical and electronic gadgets. Copper tools and utensils are also widely used. Gold and silver are used in making our jewellery. Aluminium extracted from bauxite is used to make aero planes, our fastest means of transport. Mica is used in electrical goods and limestone is used as cement in constructing houses and buildings. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are important energy or power resources. Coal is used for various purposes like cooking, heating and producing electricity, and in various industries. Once petroleum is refined, we obtain different products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, etc. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, etc. run on petrol and diesel. Kerosene is used for cooking and other purposes. Products such as plastics and cosmetics are also made from petroleum. Natural gas is used as a fuel in cars, buses, etc. and hence are important for the agricultural sector as well.
Minerals are the silent workers in our lives, present in the utensils we eat with and the buildings we live in. Without the energy from minerals like coal and petroleum, our modern transport systems would stop completely.
Teacher's Tip: Look around your classroom; almost everything you see was made using minerals.
Exam Tip: Categorize your answer into "Daily Use," "Construction," "Transport," and "Energy" for a perfectly organized response.

Question 6: Why is it important to conserve minerals?
Answer:
Minerals are important for every country for its development and they need to be conserve because :
1. Minerals are non-renewable resources which once used can’t be obtained again as it takes thousands of years to form.
2. Workable minerals are in insufficient quantities (just $1\%$ of the earth’s crust)
3. We are rapidly consuming mineral resources that requires millions of years to be renewed.
4. Industry and agriculture depend upon minerals and the substances manufacture from them.
Since it takes millions of years for nature to create these minerals, we must use them wisely so they don't run out. Recycling metals is a great way to conserve the Earth's natural supply and reduce mining damage.
Teacher's Tip: Conservation is the key to a sustainable future; reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Exam Tip: Mentioning the very small percentage ($1\%$) of workable minerals helps emphasize the need for conservation.

F. Picture study.

Look at this picture of the inside of an iron and steel industry and answer the following questions

Question 1: Which are the major producers of iron and steel in Asia?
Answer:
China produces almost $45\%$ per cent of the total world production of Iron and Steel.
China's massive production capacity allows it to build huge cities and export steel products to the rest of the world. This industrial strength is a major part of its economic growth.
Teacher's Tip: The industrialization of a country is often measured by its steel production.
Exam Tip: State the exact percentage ($45\%$) as given in the textbook for maximum accuracy.

Question 2: Which states in the south of India produce a large quantity of iron and steel?
Answer:
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the major iron-producing states.
These southern states have rich geological deposits that make them ideal for heavy industry. Being close to ports also helps them ship these important metals to other countries.
Teacher's Tip: These states have famous steel plants like the one in Visakhapatnam.
Exam Tip: Be specific about "South India" and name both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.