CBSE Class 10 Science NCERT Solutions: Management of Natural Resources

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter delves into the crucial topic of Natural Resource Management for CBSE Class 10 Science students. It covers the definition and types of natural resources, distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable resources. The solutions address common misconceptions about what constitutes a natural resource, such as electricity. It also explores critical environmental issues like the pollution of rivers, specifically the Ganga, and the impact of industrial effluents on water quality, including the significance of pH levels for aquatic life. Understanding these concepts is vital for environmental awareness and sustainable practices. These NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to help students grasp the core principles, prepare effectively for their exams, and develop a responsible attitude towards our planet's resources.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectScience (Exemplar)
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter16. Management of Natural Resources

Chapter summary

Chapter 16, Management of Natural Resources, focuses on identifying and classifying natural resources. It clarifies what qualifies as a natural resource versus a man-made product. The chapter also examines environmental pollution, particularly water pollution in rivers like the Ganga, and the role of industrial waste. It highlights the importance of pH levels for freshwater ecosystems. These NCERT Solutions offer detailed explanations for multiple-choice questions, aiding students in understanding the fundamental concepts of resource management and environmental protection.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and differentiate between natural and man-made resources.
  • Understand the causes and consequences of river pollution.
  • Explain the significance of pH for aquatic life.
  • Analyze the impact of industrial effluents on water quality.
  • Recognize the importance of managing natural resources sustainably.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Natural Resources
  • Man-made Resources
  • Renewable Resources
  • Non-renewable Resources
  • Water Pollution
  • Coliform Bacteria
  • Industrial Effluents
  • pH of Water
  • Acidic Effluents
  • Aquatic Life
  • Resource Management
  • Environmental Protection

Important topics

  • Definition and Classification of Natural Resources
  • Causes of River Pollution (Ganga)
  • Impact of Industrial Effluents on Water pH
  • Optimal pH Range for Aquatic Life
  • Distinguishing Natural vs. Man-made Resources

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

From the list given below, pick the item that is not a natural resource:

Soil

Water

Electricity Air

Solution: The correct answer is (c) Electricity.

Explanation: Natural resources are substances or commodities that exist in nature and are useful to humans, such as soil, water, and air. Electricity, on the other hand, is a form of energy produced by humans through various processes and technological means, often by converting other energy sources. Therefore, it is considered a man-made resource, not a natural one.

Question 2

Which is the most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world?

Water

Forests

Wind

Sunlight

Solution: The correct answer is (b) Forests.

Explanation: While water, wind, and sunlight are generally considered renewable or inexhaustible resources, forests are facing rapid depletion worldwide. This dwindling is primarily due to human activities such as deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, logging, and infrastructure development. The loss of forests has significant environmental consequences.

Question 3

The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is:

present only on land

a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

a man-made substance placed in nature

available only in the forest

Solution: The most appropriate definition is (b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind.

Explanation: Natural resources are derived from nature and are essential for human survival and development. Options (a) and (d) are incorrect because natural resources are not confined to specific locations like only land or only forests; they are found across the Earth's surface and in its atmosphere and oceans. Option (c) is incorrect because natural resources are naturally occurring, not man-made.

Question 4

The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is:

(a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water

(b) discharge of effluents from electroplating industries

(c) washing of clothes

(d) immersion of ashes

Solution: The correct answer is (a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water.

Explanation: Coliform bacteria are indicator organisms that are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their presence in large numbers in a water body like the Ganga indicates fecal contamination. While other factors can contribute to pollution, the disposal of human remains (corpses) directly into the river can introduce a significant load of these bacteria, alongside other pathogens.

Question 5

The pH of a water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 - 4.5. On the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?

(a) Soap and detergent factory

(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory

(c) Plastic cup manufacturing factory

(d) Alcohol distillery

Solution: The correct answer is (d) Alcohol distillery.

Explanation: Alcohol distilleries are involved in fermentation processes, which produce organic acids like lactic acid and acetic acid. These acidic compounds are often discharged in the factory's effluents. When these acidic effluents mix with the river water, they significantly lower its pH, making it acidic. Lead battery manufacturing can also cause acidification, but alcohol distilleries are a very common and direct source of organic acids leading to low pH.

Question 6

The pH range most conducive for the life of freshwater plants and animals is:

(a) 6.5 - 7.5

(b) 2.0 - 3.5

(c) 3.5 - 5.0

(d) 9.0 - 10.5

Solution: The correct answer is (a) 6.5 - 7.5.

Explanation: Most freshwater aquatic life, including plants and animals, thrives best in a pH range that is close to neutral. A pH between 6.5 and 7.5 indicates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions, which are generally well-tolerated by a wide variety of species. Extreme pH values, such as those in ranges (b), (c), and (d), can be detrimental or even lethal to most aquatic organisms.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing man-made products (like electricity) with natural resources.
  • Underestimating the impact of industrial waste on water bodies.
  • Not understanding the relationship between pH and aquatic life.
  • Incorrectly identifying sources of pollution.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of natural and man-made resources.
  • Focus on the examples of river pollution and their causes.
  • Understand the pH scale and its relevance to freshwater ecosystems.
  • Practice identifying the most likely source of pollution given specific industrial activities.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following items is NOT considered a natural resource?

Q2. Which natural resource is rapidly dwindling worldwide due to human activities?

Q3. What is the most appropriate definition of a natural resource?

Q4. The presence of abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is primarily caused by:

Q5. Which factory's effluent is most likely to lower the pH of river water to an acidic range (3.5-4.5)?

Q6. What is the ideal pH range conducive to the survival of most freshwater plants and animals?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between natural and man-made resources?

Natural resources are gifts of nature, like soil, water, and air, while man-made resources are created by humans, such as electricity or manufactured goods.

Why is electricity not considered a natural resource?

Electricity is not a natural resource because it is produced by humans through the transformation of other energy sources, not found directly in nature.

What causes the high level of coliform bacteria in rivers like the Ganga?

The primary cause is often the discharge of sewage and waste containing human excreta, and sometimes the disposal of corpses, into the river.

How do industrial effluents affect the pH of river water?

Certain industrial effluents, like those from alcohol distilleries or battery factories, can contain acids or other chemicals that significantly lower the pH of the river water, making it acidic.

What is the ideal pH range for freshwater ecosystems?

The pH range most conducive for the life of freshwater plants and animals is generally between 6.5 and 7.5, which is close to neutral.

How can these NCERT Solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, explaining the concepts behind natural resource management and environmental issues, which aids in understanding and retention for exams.

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