Report a question
I. Chapter Summary:
This chapter introduces students to natural resources, focusing on fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. It explains their formation, uses, and the process of fractional distillation. The chapter distinguishes between exhaustible and inexhaustible resources and emphasizes the need for resource conservation. Students also learn about by-products like coke, coal tar, and coal gas, and their industrial importance. The chapter concludes with a discussion on pollution, resource management, and the importance of using fossil fuels judiciously to ensure sustainable development.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept | Explanation |
---|---|
Natural Resources | Materials from nature used by humans. |
Exhaustible Resources | Limited in quantity (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas). |
Inexhaustible Resources | Available in unlimited quantity (e.g., air, sunlight). |
Fossil Fuels | Fuels formed from the remains of dead plants and animals (e.g., coal, petroleum). |
Coal and Its Products | Includes coke, coal tar, coal gas—used in industries. |
Petroleum and Natural Gas | Petroleum is refined into various products; natural gas is a clean fuel. |
Refining of Petroleum | The process of separating petroleum into useful components through fractional distillation. |
Petrochemicals | Chemicals derived from petroleum used in plastic, rubber, etc. |
Resource Conservation | Wise and limited use of resources to ensure availability for future generations. |
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
Which of the following is an exhaustible natural resource?
a) Sunlight
b) Air
c) Coal ✔️
d) WaterWhich is the purest form of carbon obtained from coal?
a) Coal tar
b) Coke ✔️
c) Coal gas
d) CharcoalPetroleum is a mixture of:
a) Water and oil
b) Useful and harmful substances
c) Various hydrocarbons ✔️
d) Acids and alcoholWhich of the following fuels causes least air pollution?
a) Petrol
b) Diesel
c) Coal
d) CNG ✔️
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
Why are fossil fuels called exhaustible resources? (PYQ 2020)
Name three products obtained from coal. Mention their uses.
What is petroleum refining? (PYQ 2021)
Why is natural gas considered an ideal fuel?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
Explain the process of formation of coal and petroleum. (PYQ 2022)
Describe how coal is processed to obtain useful products.
Discuss the impact of using fossil fuels on the environment.
List and explain any four ways to conserve fossil fuels. (PYQ 2019)
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
If fossil fuels are formed over millions of years, how should we plan their usage today?
Why is CNG considered better than petrol or diesel for vehicles in cities?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
Term | Definition / Example |
---|---|
Coke | Tough, porous black substance used in steel manufacturing and as fuel. |
Coal Tar | Thick black liquid used for making drugs, explosives, dyes, paints. |
Coal Gas | A mixture of gases used as fuel. |
Petroleum Refining | Separating crude petroleum into usable products via fractional distillation. |
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) | Clean, efficient fuel for transport and domestic use. |
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):
Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
---|---|---|
Coal and Petroleum | 6–8 Marks | MCQs, Diagram-based, Short Notes, Long Answers, HOTS |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
Marks | Question | Year |
---|---|---|
2 Marks | Why are fossil fuels considered exhaustible? | 2020 |
3 Marks | What is refining of petroleum? Name any three products obtained. | 2021 |
5 Marks | List steps to conserve fossil fuels. | 2019 |
5 Marks | Explain formation of coal and petroleum with a diagram. | 2022 |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:
Petrol and diesel cars vs CNG buses highlight environmental impact.
Bitumen from coal tar is used for laying roads.
Natural gas used in kitchens (PNG) is safer and cleaner than LPG.
Industrial plants using coke for smelting metals show real-world uses of coal by-products.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success (Class-Specific):
Time Management:
Create a chart of resources: types, examples, exhaustibility.
Use real-life fuel consumption data from home to connect with usage.
Exam Preparation:
Memorize key products of coal and petroleum with their uses.
Practice labelled diagrams of refining column and coal processing flow.
Stress Management:
Discuss current energy crisis topics to understand urgency and relevance.
Use visual aids (videos/animations) for complex processes like refining.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):
For Class 9–10 Students:
Stream | Career Paths |
---|---|
Science | Petroleum Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Chemical Engineer |
Commerce | Energy Auditor, Resource Manager, CSR Specialist in Energy Firms |
Arts | Policy Advisor, Environmental Journalist, Urban Planner |
Explore:
NTSE, Energy-themed Olympiads, Petroleum Awareness Campaigns, Energy Clubs
XI. Important Notes:
Diagrams such as petroleum refining tower are frequently asked. Practice them well.
Connect this chapter to Class 10’s Sustainable Management of Natural Resources.
Always follow ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in for official updates.