Resources -- Exercise Solutions
How to Use This Page
This page provides complete, exam-ready solutions for the Resources chapter from the Samacheer Kalvi Class 7 Social Science textbook (Geography, Term 2, Chapter 1). Solve each exercise question independently first, then verify your answers here. Every question is answered with detailed explanations so you understand the reasoning behind each answer.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
- Resource: Anything that satisfies human needs. Resources can be natural or man-made.
- Classification by Origin: Biotic (from living things -- forests, animals, fossil fuels) and Abiotic (from non-living things -- sunlight, water, minerals).
- Classification by Renewability: Renewable (can be used again and again -- solar, wind, hydropower) and Non-renewable (limited, depletable -- fossil fuels, iron, gold).
- Classification by Composition: Metallic (iron, copper, gold, bauxite, manganese) and Non-metallic (mica, limestone, gypsum, dolomite, phosphate).
- Solar Energy: Environmentally harmless energy produced by the sun; converted to electricity using solar cells.
- Hydropower: Cheapest and most versatile source of energy; China is the largest producer.
- Wind Energy: Clean energy with no emissions; economical renewable technology.
- Coal: Most abundant fossil fuel; types are Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat (in order of decreasing carbon content).
- Petroleum: Called "Black Gold" for its high value; found between rock layers.
- Natural Gas: Found with petroleum deposits; used as domestic and industrial fuel.
- Iron: Fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust; found at Kanjamalai in Tamil Nadu.
- Aluminium: Produced from bauxite ore; lightweight, tough, and cheaper than other metals.
- Mica: Essential in electrical and electronics industry; common ores are Muscovite and Biotite.
- Manganese: Steel-grey, hard, shiny, brittle metal; used in electrical batteries.
Exercise Solutions
I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)
Q1. Which is a renewable resource?
- a) Gold
- b) Iron
- c) Petrol
- d) Solar energy
Q2. Where is the largest solar power project in India?
- a) Kamuthi
- b) Aralvaimozhi
- c) Muppandal
- d) Neyveli
Q3. Which was one of the first metals known and used by humans?
- a) Iron
- b) Copper
- c) Gold
- d) Silver
Q4. Which indispensable mineral is used in the electrical and electronics industry?
- a) Limestone
- b) Mica
- c) Manganese
- d) Silver
Q5. Electricity produced from coal is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
- a) Thermal Power
- b) Nuclear Power
- c) Solar Power
- d) Hydel Power
Q6. Bhakra Nangal Dam is in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
- a) Rajasthan
- b) Punjab
- c) Gujarat
- d) Uttar Pradesh
Q7. The fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
- a) Aluminium
- b) Copper
- c) Iron
- d) Manganese
Q8. Aluminium comes from \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ore.
- a) Hematite
- b) Bauxite
- c) Pyrolusite
- d) Muscovite
Q9. The world's leading silver producer is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
- a) India
- b) China
- c) Mexico
- d) Australia
Q10. A steel-grey, hard, shiny, brittle metal is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
- a) Iron
- b) Copper
- c) Manganese
- d) Aluminium
II. Fill in the Blanks
Q1. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the largest producer of hydroelectricity.
Q2. Iron ores are found at \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ in Tamil Nadu.
Q3. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is produced from bauxite ore.
Q4. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is used in making electrical batteries.
Q5. Petroleum and its derivatives are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Q6. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ energy is not harmful to the environment.
Q7. Hydroelectricity is generated from \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ water.
Q8. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ resources, once consumed, cannot be replaced.
Q9. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the world's top copper producer.
Q10. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a rare and precious metal.
Q11. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Gold field is one of the deepest mines in India.
Q12. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the world's leading bauxite producer.
Q13. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the world's leading manganese producer.
Q14. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ are common ores of mica.
Q15. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the world's top mica producer.
Q16. Fossil fuels are formed from \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Q17. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dam in China is the largest hydroelectricity project globally.
Q18. Tehri Dam is in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, India.
Q19. The leading coal producer of the world is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
III. Match the Following
Match A -- Resource Types
| # | Item | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renewable resource | Wind energy ✓ |
| 2 | Metallic resource | Iron ✓ |
| 3 | Non-metallic resource | Mica ✓ |
| 4 | Fossil fuel | Petroleum ✓ |
| 5 | Limestone | Sedimentary rock ✓ |
Match B -- Country-Mineral
| Item | Answer |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Silver ✓ |
| Manganese | South Africa ✓ |
| Bauxite | Australia ✓ |
| Mica | China ✓ |
IV. Assertion and Reason
Q1. Assertion (A): Wind power is clean energy. Reason (R): Wind turbines produce no emissions.
- a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A
- b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A
- c) A is incorrect, R is correct
- d) Both are incorrect
Q2. Assertion (A): Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits. Reason (R): It can serve as domestic and industrial fuel.
- a) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A
- b) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A
- c) A is incorrect, R is correct
- d) Both are incorrect
Q3. Assertion (A): Aluminium is popular for construction. Reason (R): It is lightweight, tough, and cheaper.
- a) R is the correct explanation of A
- b) R is not the correct explanation of A
- c) A is wrong, R is correct
- d) Both are wrong
V. Very Short Answers (1-2 sentences)
Q1. Define Resource.
Q2. What are the uses of iron?
Q3. Name the major utilizers of solar energy globally.
Q4. Name the types of coal based on carbon content.
Q5. Write a short note on Duralumin.
Q6. What is the importance of resources?
Q7. Name the major wind farms in India.
Q8. Which is clean energy and why?
Q9. Name five hydroelectricity projects in India.
Q10. What is limestone?
VI. Short Answers (3-5 sentences)
Q1. Distinguish between Biotic and Abiotic Resources.
| Feature | Biotic Resources | Abiotic Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | From living/organic materials in the biosphere | From non-living, non-organic parts of the environment |
| Dependence | Depend on abiotic resources for survival | Do not depend on biotic resources |
| Examples | Forests, crops, animals, fish, fossil fuels | Sunlight, temperature, water, soil, air, gold, copper, silver |
Q2. Distinguish between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources.
| Feature | Renewable Resources | Non-renewable Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Reusability | Can be used again and again | Cannot be reused; limited and depletable |
| Quantity | Present in unlimited quantity | Present in limited quantity only |
| Pollution | Pollution-free | Not pollution-free |
| Examples | Solar, wind, hydropower | Fossil fuels, iron, copper, gold, silver |
Q3. Distinguish between Metallic and Non-metallic Resources.
| Feature | Metallic Resources | Non-metallic Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Composed of metals | Do not comprise metals |
| Hardness | Hard substances | Not hard substances |
| Conductivity | Good conductors of heat and electricity | Not good conductors |
| Examples | Iron, copper, gold, bauxite, manganese | Mica, limestone, gypsum, dolomite, phosphate |
Q4. Distinguish between Manganese and Mica.
| Feature | Manganese | Mica |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Steel-grey, hard, shiny, brittle metal | Insulating, soft mineral |
| Common Ores | Pyrolusite, Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite | Muscovite, Biotite |
| Uses | Electrical batteries, disinfecting liquids, bleaching powder, fertilizers | Electrical industry, lubricating oils, decorative wallpapers |
| Top Producer | South Africa | China |
Q5. Give reasons: Aluminium has wider uses than other metals.
Q6. Give reasons: Water is considered a great energy source.
VII. Detailed Answers (Paragraph-length, well-structured)
Q1. Explain the different types of renewable resources.
Solar Energy: The sun produces heat and light energy that is environmentally harmless. Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar energy is becoming increasingly important as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The major utilizers of solar energy globally include India, China, Japan, Italy, and the United States. The largest solar power project in India is located at Kamuthi in Tamil Nadu.
Hydropower: Hydroelectricity power is considered the cheapest and most versatile source of energy. It is generated from moving water with high velocity and great falls, using turbines and dynamos. China is the largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world, with the Three Gorges Dam being the largest hydroelectricity project globally. Other major producers include Canada, Brazil, the USA, Russia, India, Norway, and Japan. In India, major hydroelectric projects include Tehri Dam, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is produced using wind turbines that convert wind power into electricity. It is considered clean energy because wind turbines produce no emissions. Wind energy has become one of the most economical renewable energy technologies. The top producers of wind energy globally are the USA, China, Germany, Spain, India, the UK, Canada, and Brazil. Major wind farms in India include Muppandal, Jaisalmer, Brabmanvel, Jalgaon, and Damanjodi.
Q2. Describe non-metallic resources in detail.
Mica: Mica is an indispensable mineral used in the electrical and electronics industry. The two common ores of mica are Muscovite and Biotite. In its powder form, mica is used for lubricating oils and decorative wallpapers. China is the world's top producer of mica. Mica's excellent insulating properties make it essential for electrical equipment and electronic devices.
Limestone: Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, foraminifera, and molluscs. About 10% of all sedimentary rocks are limestone. It is widely used as crushed stone for construction, facing stone for buildings, floor tiles, stair treads, and window sills. Limestone is also used in smelting iron ore and in the manufacture of Portland cement, making it essential for the construction industry.
Q3. Describe the different types of fossil fuel resources.
Coal: Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel. It is formed when dead plant matter decays and converts into peat over millions of years under heat and pressure. Coal is used as a domestic fuel and in iron and steel industries and steam engines for electricity generation. The four types of coal based on carbon content are Anthracite (highest), Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat (lowest). China is the world's leading coal producer. Electricity produced from coal is called thermal power.
Petroleum: Petroleum is found between rock layers and is drilled from offshore and coastal oil fields. It is called "Black Gold" because of its extremely high economic value. Petroleum yields diesel, petrol, kerosene, wax, and plastics. The chief producers are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Qatar. In India, Digboi in Assam and Bombay High are leading petroleum production areas.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is found alongside petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It serves as both a domestic and industrial fuel. Natural gas is cleaner than coal and petroleum and is increasingly being used as an alternative fuel. It is transported through pipelines and also stored as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Q4. Classify resources based on origin.
Biotic Resources: These are resources obtained from living or organic materials in the biosphere. They include forests, crops, birds, animals, fishes, and humans. Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) are also classified as biotic resources because they are formed from the remains of once-living organisms. Biotic resources depend on abiotic resources for their survival and growth. For example, plants need sunlight, water, and soil (all abiotic) to grow.
Abiotic Resources: These are resources derived from non-living, non-organic materials in the environment. Examples include land, water, air, sunlight, gold, copper, and silver. Abiotic resources do not depend on biotic resources for their existence. They form the foundation upon which all biotic resources depend. Minerals, rocks, and atmospheric gases are all examples of abiotic resources that are essential for industrial and economic development.
Q5. What is called Black Gold? Describe it.
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing renewable and non-renewable: Solar, wind, and hydropower are renewable (unlimited, pollution-free). Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are non-renewable (limited, polluting). Do not mix these up. 2. Mixing up coal types by carbon content: Remember the order from highest to lowest carbon: Anthracite > Bituminous > Lignite > Peat. Peat has the lowest carbon content. 3. Confusing metallic and non-metallic resources: Metallic resources (iron, copper, gold) are hard and good conductors. Non-metallic resources (mica, limestone) are soft and poor conductors. 4. Calling aluminium an ore: Aluminium is the metal; bauxite is the ore from which aluminium is produced. Similarly, iron is the metal and hematite is an ore. 5. Mixing up country-mineral pairs: Chile = copper, Mexico = silver, Australia = bauxite, South Africa = manganese, China = mica and coal. Memorize these specific pairs. 6. Forgetting that fossil fuels are biotic: Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are biotic resources (formed from once-living organisms), not abiotic. 7. Confusing thermal and hydel power: Thermal power comes from coal; hydel (hydro) power comes from moving water. They are completely different energy sources.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can define resource and classify resources by origin (biotic/abiotic)
- [ ] I can classify resources by renewability (renewable/non-renewable) with examples
- [ ] I can classify resources by composition (metallic/non-metallic) with examples
- [ ] I can explain solar energy, hydropower, and wind energy with key facts
- [ ] I can name the types of coal in order of carbon content (Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, Peat)
- [ ] I can explain why petroleum is called "Black Gold" and list its products
- [ ] I can describe natural gas, coal, and petroleum as fossil fuels
- [ ] I know country-mineral pairs: Chile (copper), Mexico (silver), Australia (bauxite), South Africa (manganese), China (mica, coal)
- [ ] I can explain the properties and uses of iron, aluminium, manganese, and mica
- [ ] I can list major hydroelectric and wind projects in India
- [ ] I can handle Assertion-Reason questions by checking if R truly explains A
- [ ] I can write detailed paragraph answers on renewable resources, non-metallic resources, and fossil fuels