Long Answers

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Last edited 43 days ago by Learn LoopHQ.

Chapter: 07. Minerals And Ores

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Differentiate between metallic and non-metallic minerals, including their common rock formations and key properties.

Metallic minerals contain metals, have a shiny appearance, and are typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They are known for being ductile (can be stretched into wires) and malleable (can be hammered into sheets), and are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. In contrast, non-metallic minerals do not contain metals, possess a dull appearance, and are commonly found in sedimentary rocks. These minerals are generally soft and breakable, and they are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

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Explain the significance of minerals in our daily lives and for a country’s economic development.

Minerals are fundamental to our daily existence, forming various common items such as utensils, door knobs, and electrical wiring. Essential metals like iron, copper, gold, and aluminium are derived from minerals, facilitating transport, construction, and electronic industries. Beyond individual use, minerals are crucial for a nation’s economic progress, serving as raw materials for large-scale industries and powering economic growth through energy resources like coal and petroleum. Their availability directly influences a country’s industrial capacity and agricultural productivity, highlighting their indispensable role.

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Describe the main types of mining methods and briefly discuss their environmental impacts.

The two primary types of mining are surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining, also known as open cast mining, involves removing the top layer of soil and rock to extract minerals close to the Earth’s surface using heavy machinery. This method can lead to significant environmental damage, including the destruction of trees, natural vegetation, and animal habitats. Underground mining, conversely, involves digging deep vertical shafts and tunnels to reach minerals far below ground. While accessing deeper deposits, it can cause land sinking, as well as pollution of both underground and surface water sources.

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Elaborate on why mineral resources must be conserved, referencing their non-renewable nature and the implications of depletion.

Mineral resources are non-renewable, meaning they form over thousands to millions of years and cannot be replenished quickly once used. It is vital to conserve them because current consumption rates, driven by increasing population and demand, are depleting these finite resources at an alarming pace. If overuse continues, critical energy minerals like coal and petroleum might be exhausted within this century, severely impacting future generations’ needs. Therefore, conservation through judicious use, recycling, and seeking alternative energy sources is essential to ensure sustainable availability and mitigate environmental damage.

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Discuss the importance of petroleum as an energy resource and its various applications beyond fuel.

Petroleum is globally the most important fuel, vital for powering nearly all modes of transport, from cars and trucks to aeroplanes and ships. Without it, modern life would largely halt due to disrupted transportation and industries. Beyond its role as a primary energy source, crude oil is a versatile raw material from which numerous essential products are derived upon refining. These applications include manufacturing synthetic fibres, plastics, detergents, cosmetics, paints, lubricants, and even pharmaceutical products, highlighting its indispensable role across diverse sectors. Its widespread utility across these varied applications is why it is often referred to as ‘black gold’.

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