Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Coal is formed from the decomposed remains of plants that remained buried under high heat and pressure over millions of years under beds of sedimentary rocks. This inflammable organic substance is rich in carbon. It produces huge quantities of heat when burnt. Coal has been therefore the source of power in steam engines for long. Since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, coal is also used in the generation of electric power. In the early 20th century, as the steel industries were run on coal fired furnaces, they were, therefore, primarily located near coal mines. The thermal power stations used coal to generate electricity, which was supplied to domestic and industrial sectors. Thus, coal, also called the black gold, came to be the backbone of industrial growth.

1. How is coal formed?
2. Which property of coal is very useful in running steam engines?
3. Why were steel industries located near coal mines?
4. What is coal also known as? Why do you think it was so called?

Can we live without coal and petroleum? How would it be possible, in the future, to run industries or put fuel in our cars?

Observe and describe the ways rocks are used in your neighbourhood. Do you think there could be misuse of rocks, rock powder, gravel stones and sand?

Look at this picture and answer the questions that follow.

1. Which mineral is mined by the method shown in the picture? Name the method.
2. Write two uses of this mineral.
3. Where can this mineral be found in India?