Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 7 Geography Chapter 11 Renewable and Non renewable resources

DISCUSS

Question : Discuss the ways by which you can conserve energy, especially petroleum and electricity, in your homes and school. What changes do you need to make in your daily routine to save these precious resources ?
Answer:
I would preferably follow all the ways mentioned in the question to conserve energy.
1. Careful use of petroleum and electricity : One should preferably use bicycle or barefoot for shorter distances instead of cars. One must switch off the switches when lights/fans are not required.
2. Careful use of water when washing and gardening : One should properly utilise the water while washing clothes and gardening. Do not keep the taps open and waste water.
Energy conservation is the key to preventing the depletion of our natural resources. By making small changes today, we can ensure that future generations have access to power and fuel.
Teacher's Tip: Switch off to show you care - every watt saved is a watt produced!
Exam Tip: Mention both indoor (electricity) and outdoor (transport/petroleum) methods for a complete answer.

THINK AND ANSWER

Question : Hydroelectricity is considered a good energy option for the future. Why ?
Answer:
Hydropower is fueled by water, so it’s a clean fuel source, meaning it won’t pollute the air like power plants that bum fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.
Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce their own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources.
The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it a renewable power source, making it a more reliable and affordable source than fossil fuels that are rapidly being depleted.
Since it uses the natural flow of water, it does not create toxic smoke or waste. It is a reliable way to generate power without relying on expensive imported fuel like oil.
Teacher's Tip: Hydro = Water, Electricity = Power. Hydroelectricity is simply power generated from moving water!
Exam Tip: Highlight that it is "renewable" and "clean" as these are the most important keywords for scoring high.

VALUE AND LIFE SKILL

Question : Electricity is very important for all of us. We need it for our homes, offices, industries and agriculture. Make a list of five different ways in which you can save electricity, for instance, switching off fans, ACs, light at home and in school when these thing are not required.
Answer:
The ways in which we can save electricity are :
1. Using natural light whenever possible instead of using artificial light
2. Replacing our bulb with CFL or LED bulbs.
3. Turn off the lights wherever it is not required.
4. By unpluging the appliances that are not in use.
5. Replacing old appliances with new energy saving models.
6. Using less air conditioner and less hot water.
Simple habits like opening windows for natural breeze can significantly reduce the load on our power grids. Unplugging chargers when not in use also prevents "vampire power" from being wasted through the socket.
Teacher's Tip: LED bulbs are like tiny power-saving champions compared to old, hot bulbs.
Exam Tip: List specific appliances like fans, lights, and ACs in your answer to show practical understanding.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks.

Question 1: Sun, water, wind are examples of renewable energy resources.
Answer:
Sun, water, wind
These sources are provided by nature and do not get exhausted no matter how much we use them. They are the cleanest alternatives to polluting fuels.
Teacher's Tip: Remember these are "everlasting" gifts from nature.
Exam Tip: Underline the words you fill in so the examiner can find your answer easily.

Question 2: Solar cells use the power supplied by the Sunlight.
Answer:
Sunlight
Solar cells convert the light energy from the sun directly into electricity. This is a quiet and pollution-free way to get power for homes and gadgets.
Teacher's Tip: Solar = Sun. It is that simple!
Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse "heat" with "light"; solar cells primarily use sunlight.

Question 3: Geothermal energy is the heat of the earth.
Answer:
earth
The word "Geo" means Earth and "Thermal" means heat, so this is energy from within the planet. This heat can be found in hot springs and volcanic regions.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as the Earth's natural "Internal Heater".
Exam Tip: Use the term "internal heat" to describe geothermal energy in definitions.

Question 4: Coal, petroleum and natural gas are fossil fuels.
Answer:
fossil
These fuels were formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Because they take so long to form, they are non-renewable.
Teacher's Tip: Fossils come from old remains; remember "Fossil = Old Bones/Plants".
Exam Tip: Remember that all three (coal, oil, gas) belong to the same category of fossil fuels.

Question 5: Anthracite is the coal with the highest percentage of coal.
Answer:
Anthracite
Anthracite is a hard, shiny type of coal that burns with a very hot, blue flame. It contains the most carbon and produces the least amount of smoke.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "A" as the top grade, just like in school grades!
Exam Tip: Spelling is important here; break it down as Anthra-cite.

B. Match the following.

Question: Match Column A with Column B:
A
1. Solar energy
2. Hydroelectricity
3. Coal
4. Wind
5. Farakka barrage
B
(i) Ganga
(ii) Wind mill
(iii) Sun
(iv) Non-renewable
(v) Water
Answer:
1. Solar energy - (iii) Sun
2. Hydroelectricity - (iv) Water
3. Coal - (v) Non-renewable
4. Wind - (ii) Wind mill
5. Farakka barrage - (i) Ganga
Note: Based on the "Answer" block provided in the text:
1. Solar energy - (iii) Sun
2. Hydroelectricity - (iv) Water
3. Coal - (v) Non-renewable
4. Wind - (ii) Wind mill
5. Farakka barrage - (i) Ganga
This matching links the energy source to its primary agent or location. For example, wind energy is captured using windmills, and the Farakka barrage is a major project on the Ganga.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Farakka" as a friend of "Ganga".
Exam Tip: Write the correct matching pair in front of each other instead of drawing crisscross lines.

C. Choose the correct answer.

Question 1: Photovoltaic cells use the energy of
1. sun
2. wind
3. water
4. tides
Answer:
1. sun
Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, are designed to catch light particles from the sun. This captured light is then converted into electrical energy to power homes.
Teacher's Tip: Photo = Light. Sunlight is the source here!
Exam Tip: "Solar panels" and "Photovoltaic cells" mean the same thing in most exam questions.

Question 2: Hydroelectricity is obtained by using
1. wind
2. water
3. coal
4. natural gas
Answer:
2. water
The force of falling water is used to spin large turbines that generate power. This usually happens at large dams built across powerful rivers.
Teacher's Tip: Hydro always refers to water, just like staying hydrated!
Exam Tip: Ensure you mention "falling water" or "flowing water" when defining this energy.

Question 3: Wind mills have been used for many centuries in
1. the USA
2. the Netherlands
3. Russia
4. India
Answer:
2. the Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its historic windmills which were used to grind grain and pump water. Today, they use modern versions to create clean electricity.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Netherlands = Land of Windmills".
Exam Tip: This is a common general knowledge question, so memorize the country name.

Question 4: The coal that has the highest percentage of carbon is
1. anthracite
2. bituminous
3. lignite
4. peat
Answer:
1. anthracite
Because it has the most carbon, it is the most efficient and valuable type of coal. It burns longer and hotter than any other variety.
Teacher's Tip: Anthracite is the "Gold Medal" winner of coals.
Exam Tip: Read all four options before ticking the answer, even if the first one looks correct.

Question 5: The Bhakra-Nangal Dam is situated on the river
1. Yamuna
2. Beas
3. Ravi
4. Satluj
Answer:
4. Satluj
This dam is one of the highest gravity dams in the world and provides power to many states in North India. It utilizes the fast-flowing water of the Satluj river.
Teacher's Tip: Satluj is the "S" river for the "S"uper Bhakra dam!
Exam Tip: Always double-check the river name as many dams are located in the same region.

D. State whether the following is True or False.

Question 1: Coal and petroleum are renewable energy resources.
Answer:
False.
Correct : Coal and petroleum are non-renewable energy resources.
It takes millions of years for nature to create these fuels, and we are using them up much faster than they can be replaced. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.
Teacher's Tip: If you can't grow it or get it from the sky/water daily, it's usually non-renewable.
Exam Tip: When a statement is false, always write the correct version to show your understanding.

Question 2: Renewable energy resources have limited supply in nature.
Answer:
False.
Correct : Renewable energy resources have unlimited supply in nature.
The sun will continue to shine and the wind will continue to blow for billions of years. This is why we call these sources "unlimited".
Teacher's Tip: "Renewable" means you can use it again and again, like a refillable water bottle!
Exam Tip: Don't confuse "unlimited" with "always available"; solar is unlimited but only available during the day.

Question 3: China, USAand Spain are major producers ofwind energy.
Answer:
True.
These countries have built massive wind farms with hundreds of turbines to generate clean power. They lead the world in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Teacher's Tip: Big countries with lots of open space are usually the best at wind energy.
Exam Tip: "China and USA" appear in almost every major energy producer list.

Question 4: Coal takes millions of years to form.
Answer:
True.
Coal starts as dead plant matter in swamps that gets buried under layers of dirt and rock. Over millions of years, the heat and pressure transform it into the black rock we burn for fuel.
Teacher's Tip: Think of coal as "Concentrated History" or energy from the past.
Exam Tip: The word "millions" is key here; if the statement says "hundreds of years", it is false.

Question 5: The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the river Narmada.
Answer:
True.
This is a very famous dam in Gujarat that provides water and electricity to millions of people. It is the center of many environmental and social discussions in India.
Teacher's Tip: Narmada is the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Exam Tip: Map work often asks you to locate the Narmada river and this specific dam.

E. Answer the following questions brief.

Question 1: What are renewable energy resources?
Answer:
Renewable energy resources are those that come from natural sources and are naturally replenished. These include solar energy (sunlight), wind energy from windmill (wind), hydroelectricity (rain), tidal energy from waves (tides) and geothermal energy (energy from the heat of the earth).
Because these sources are constantly refilled by nature's own cycles, they will never run out. They are considered "green" because they cause very little harm to the environment.
Teacher's Tip: If nature gives it for free and forever, it is renewable!
Exam Tip: List at least three examples like solar, wind, and tidal energy for a complete definition.

Question 2: What is the main difference between renewable an non-renewable energy resources?
Answer:
Renewable Resources
1. These are those resources which can be renewed in a short time.
2. These do not cause any pollution to the environment.
3. These are the free gifts of nature.
4. Air, water and solar energy are the examples of renewable resources.
Non-Renewable Resources
1. These are those resources which cannot be renewed in a short time.
2. These cause pollution to the environment.
3. These are not the free gifts of nature.
4. Coal, Petroleum and some minerals are the examples of the non-renewable resources.
The primary difference is the time it takes for nature to replace them. Renewable sources are available daily, while non-renewable sources take millions of years to form and will eventually be gone.
Teacher's Tip: Renewable is a "Friend of Nature"; Non-renewable is a "Polluter".
Exam Tip: Use a table or separate headings like the ones above to clearly contrast the two types of resources.

Question 3: What is tidal energy ?
Answer:
Tidal energy is an inexhaustible source of energy. It is energy generated from ocean tides. High tides in coastal areas are used to generate power. Tidal energy is generated free of cost.
The ocean moves in tides twice a day, providing a predictable schedule for power generation. This energy is harvested in coastal areas where the difference between high and low tide is large enough to turn turbines.
Teacher's Tip: Tide = Ocean's heartbeat; Tidal Energy = Power from the ocean's heart!
Exam Tip: Mention that it is an "inexhaustible" source to get full credit.

Question 4: Which countries are major producers of wind power in the world?
Answer:
China, USA, Germany, Spain and Netherland are the leading wind power producing nations.
These nations have invested heavily in large wind farms to reduce their carbon footprint. Germany and China are world leaders in this technology because of their vast open spaces and advanced engineering.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the "USA and China" as the giants of almost all energy production.
Exam Tip: Spelling countries correctly like "Netherlands" and "Germany" is important for geography.

Question 5: What is biogas ? How is it useful to us ?
Answer:
Animal waste and all other kinds of organic waste material generated by households each day converted into biogas. This gas is an excellent source of cheap power for small-scale usage.
Biogas is produced by the natural breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is particularly useful in rural areas where animal waste is easily available from farms for cooking and lighting.
Teacher's Tip: Waste to Wealth - that's what biogas is all about!
Exam Tip: Mention its use in "small-scale usage" like village kitchens to show practical context.

Question 6: What are fossil fuels?
Answer:
Fuels formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms and plants etc. Examples of fossil fuels are coal, petroleum and natural gas, etc.
These fuels were created when ancient life was trapped under high heat and pressure for millions of years. Because we use them much faster than nature makes them, they are considered finite resources.
Teacher's Tip: Think of them as "Solar energy stored in old plants".
Exam Tip: Give the classic three examples: Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas for a complete answer.

Question 7: Name a few major producers of petroleum in the world.
Answer:
The main oil-producing areas are the Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, USA, Venezuela, Algeria and Russia.
The Gulf region contains the largest known reservoirs of oil on the planet. However, countries like the USA and Russia also have massive oil fields that significantly impact global prices.
Teacher's Tip: "Gulf Countries" are the oil kings of the world.
Exam Tip: List at least four countries to show a broad global understanding.

F. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraph.

Question 1: Give an account of the use of solar energy.
Answer:
Solar energy is the energy that we receive from the sun. It is readily available in nature and in unlimited quantities.
While there are several ways to obtain solar energy, one way is by the use of solar cells or photovoltaic panels. These panels are made from very thin semi-conducting materials which, when exposed to sunlight, use the heat and light of the sun to shake the electrons loose and create an electric current.
Solar cells are used for lighting street lamps, in electronic calculators, watches, smart phones, camera, traffic signals, water pumps and home lighting. Solar energy is being used to heat ovens, cook food and heat water.
Solar panels allow us to capture the sun's rays and turn them into electricity without any noise or pollution. This technology is becoming cheaper and more common in homes and schools today, helping us save on electricity bills.
Teacher's Tip: A solar cell is like a sandwich that catches sunlight to make power!
Exam Tip: List at least four different uses of solar cells (calculators, street lamps, etc.) to strengthen your paragraph.

Question 2: How is hydroelectricity generated?
Answer:
The word ‘hydro’ means water and hydroelectricity is the energy obtained using water. It is produced when water falls from a height under the force of gravity. The falling water then turns the wheels of a large turbine that generate electricity.
The energy is produced by the kinetic movement of water turning a turbine connected to a generator. Large dams are usually built across rivers to create the height and pressure needed for the water to fall with great force.
Teacher's Tip: It's like a giant, modern water wheel that creates power!
Exam Tip: Explain the role of the "turbine" and "generator" as they are the most important parts of the process.

Question 3: Explain briefly geothermal energy.
Answer:
Geothermal energy is the energy generated by harnessing the heat in the interiors of the earth. The earth has very hot materials below the crust. They heat up groundwater to produce hot water and steam. This hot water and steam gush up in many places as springs and geysers, which may be used to run turbines to generate electricity.
This energy comes from the steam created when groundwater touches hot rocks deep under the earth. Countries like Iceland use this internal heat to warm homes and produce electricity very efficiently.
Teacher's Tip: Geo = Earth, Thermal = Heat. It's simply "Earth Heat"!
Exam Tip: Use terms like "crust," "groundwater," and "turbines" to sound like a geography expert.

Question 4: What do you know about wind energy?
Answer:
Wind is used to produce electricity. When the wind blows, it turns the three large blades of the windmill which are attached to the turbine. The turbine, which is connected to the generator converts the energy of the wind into electrical energy.
Wind, like the sun, is nature’s gift to the earth. It is free and widely available.
Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable sources because it can be harvested on land and at sea without taking up much space below the towers. As the wind gets stronger, the blades spin faster, creating more electricity for the grid.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a windmill as a "Giant Electric Fan" working in reverse - catching wind instead of making it!
Exam Tip: Describe the conversion of "wind energy" into "electrical energy" to show the scientific process.

Question 5: Describe the four major types of coal.
Answer:
Depending on the carbon content, there are four types of coal: Arundeep’s Self-Help to Voyage-7
(a) Anthracite is the best quality coal since it has almost 90% carbon.
(b) Bituminous coal is the second-best coal with 65% to 70% carbon.
(c) Lignite is a poor quality coal with a carbon content of around 60%.
(d) Peat has very little carbon, is not fully formed and gives little heat and a lot of smoke on burning.
The quality of coal is determined by how deep it was buried and how much pressure it was under over millions of years. Anthracite is the hardest and hottest burning, while peat is more like soggy, compressed plant matter.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the order A-B-L-P (Like the alphabet: Anthracite is Top).
Exam Tip: Mention the "carbon percentage" for each type as shown in your text to score maximum marks.

Question 6: Write a short note on nuclear power.
Answer:
Nuclear power is also known as atomic energy. The disintegration of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium releases nuclear power. Nuclear power is the energy obtained either through fusion or fission.
Nuclear energy is extremely powerful and can produce a lot of electricity from a very small amount of fuel. However, it requires very careful handling because the materials used are radioactive and must be stored safely.
Teacher's Tip: Atomic energy is tiny but mighty!
Exam Tip: Name "Uranium" and "Thorium" as the two key radioactive elements to get full credit.

Question 7: Write about hydroelectric projects in India.
Answer:
India ranks fourth in terms of number of dams. India has more than 4800 completed large dams and many more are being built. Some important dams in India are:
• Bhakra-Nangal dam - on river Satluj.
• Damodar Valley Project - on river Damodar in West Bengal
• Farakka Barrage - on river Ganga in West Bengal,
• Sardar Sarovar dam - on Narmada,
• Hirakuddam - on Mahanadi.
• Nagarjuna Sagar and Idukki dams - on Krishna
• Idukki dam - on Periyar in Kerala.
India has a vast network of rivers that allow it to be a global leader in hydroelectric power production. Projects like Bhakra-Nangal are vital not just for electricity, but also for providing water to farmers for irrigation.
Teacher's Tip: Rivers are the "Liquid Gold" of India's energy map.
Exam Tip: Match the dam name to its correct river (e.g., Hirakud to Mahanadi) for full marks in geography questions.

Question 8: Why do we need to conserve our energy resources ?
Answer:
Conservation of energy is important, especially the conservation of conventional energy resources that may get exhausted in this century itself. With growing demands due to increasing population, we are overusing and wasting them. It is important that we soon find ways to use non-conventional sources of power as there is no danger of them being exhausted in our lifetime. In our daily life, we need to conserve energy. By remembering the 3 R’s and practising reuse, recycle, and reduce, we can save a lot of resources, utilize them judiciously, and conserve them for future generations.
It should be realized that if all life-supporting resources are indiscriminately used then our very existence on earth would be in danger.
Car pooling, turning off lights and fans when not required, cycling and using public transport are effective ways of saving energy. Alternative sources of energy, such as the sun, wind and water, must be extensively used.
Conserving energy reduces our reliance on dirty fossil fuels and protects the environment from global warming and air pollution. It also saves money for families and helps the government manage national resources better.
Teacher's Tip: Saving energy today means a brighter light for tomorrow.
Exam Tip: Mention the "3 R's" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) as they are the gold standard for resource conservation.

G. Large - scale hydroelectric projects have an impact on the environment. Search the Internet to find out how these projects affect the flora and fauna, and people’s lives in the area.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Building large dams often causes large areas of land to be flooded, which can destroy the local habitats of many animals and plants. It also forces local communities to move away from their ancestral homes, which is known as human displacement.
Teacher's Tip: every big project has a cost to nature; we must balance progress with protection.
Exam Tip: Researching the word "displacement" will help you understand the serious human side of these industrial projects.

H. Picture Study

Look at the picture and answer the following questions.
Question 1: What type of energy is generated at this site?
Answer:
Wind Energy.
The picture shows giant windmills that catch the wind to spin turbines and create power. This is a clean way to produce electricity without burning any fuels.
Teacher's Tip: Look for the giant blades in the photo - that's your visual clue!
Exam Tip: Be specific and call it "Wind Energy" rather than just "Air Power".

Question 2: Where is this type of energy generated in India?
Answer:
India has several wind forms especially in the South.
States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have the best wind farms because of their long and windy coastlines. These "wind forms" are a beautiful sight and a sign of a green future for India.
Teacher's Tip: Coastal areas are usually the best spots for wind farms.
Exam Tip: Note that South India is a leading region for wind energy due to its steady ocean breezes.

I. Map work.

Question : On the outline map of India given here, mark and name any five hydroelectric projects in India.
Answer:
The five hydroelectric projects in India are :
1. Lower Jhelum
2. Salal
3. Ramganga
4. Harduaganj
5. Sardar Sarovar
These projects are spread across North and West India, utilizing different river systems like the Jhelum and Narmada. Locating them on a map helps us understand the geography of India's massive power grid.
Teacher's Tip: Focus on the Himalayan region for projects like Salal and Jhelum as they use the mountain water.
Exam Tip: Use a sharp pencil and neat dots to mark the locations accurately on your practice map.

LET’S DO SOMETHING

Question : Where does your water come from ? Each city has a different source for its water supply like reservoirs, rivers or wells. Find out where your town or city gets its supply of water from.
Answer:
I live in Jalandhar City, Punjab and Jalandhar Water come from ‘The Bist Doab Canal System
Note for Students: Please check the source of water of your city and write that.
Knowing your local water source makes you more aware of the importance of keeping our rivers and canals clean. Most cities rely on a combination of deep ground water and surface water from nearby river basins.
Teacher's Tip: Check your city's municipal website to find the exact name of your local water supply system.
Exam Tip: Mentioning the specific "Canal System" or "Reservoir" name makes your answer very precise and professional.