G. Answer the following questions in detail.
1. Explain the different processes used for extraction of minerals
2. Explain the importance of minerals in our life
How is wind energy produced? Write down its advantages and disadvantages.
4. What is geothermal energy? Write down its limitations
5. Suggest some methods by which we can conserve mineral resources.
Answers
Answer:
1)There are four main mining methods: underground, open surface (pit), placer, and in-situ mining. Underground mines are more expensive and are often used to reach deeper deposits. Surface mines are typically used for more shallow and less valuable deposits.
2)minerals help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. ... The body uses minerals to perform many different functions — from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.Wind is harvested through wind turbines, which generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy.Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Fluctuation of Wind and Good wind sites:– Wind energy has a drawback that it is not a constant energy source. Although wind energy is sustainable and will never run out, the wind isn’t always blowing. This can cause serious problems for wind turbine developers who will often spend significant time and money investigating whether or not a particular site is suitable for the generation of wind power. For a wind turbine to be efficient, the location where it is built needs to have an adequate supply of wind energy.
Noise and aesthetic pollution:– Wind turbines generate noise and visual pollution. A single wind turbine can be heard from hundreds of meters away. Although steps are often taken to site wind turbines away from dwellings. Many people like the look of wind turbines, others do not and see them as a blot on the landscape.
Not a profitable use of land:– Alternative uses for the land might be more highly valued than electricity generation.
Threat to wildlife:– Birds have been killed by flying into spinning turbine blades. However it is believed that wind turbines pose less of a threat to wildlife than other man made structures such as cell phone masts and radio towers. Most of the problems have been resolved or greatly reduced through technological development or by properly siting wind plants.
3)First and foremost, geothermal energy is extracted from the earth without burning fossil fuels, and geothermal fields produce practically no emissions. What's more, geothermal energy can be very beneficial, as you can achieve savings of up to 80% over conventional energy usage.There are some minor environmental issues associated with geothermal power. Geothermal power plants can in extreme cases cause earthquakes. There are heavy upfront costs associated with both geothermal power plants and geothermal heating/cooling systems.
4)People can conserve mineral resources by utilizing renewable resources. For example, using hydroelectricity and solar power as sources of energy may conserve mineral resources such as coal. ... Mineral resources may also be conserved through recycling. A good example is recycling of scrap metal.