CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 Industries NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, "Industries," for CBSE Class 8 Social Science, delves into the fundamental concepts of economic activities related to production and services. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations of what constitutes an industry, the crucial factors influencing where industries are located (such as raw materials, land, water, labor, power, capital, transport, and market), and the significance of key industries like iron and steel, often termed the backbone of modern industry. It also explores the historical expansion of the cotton textile industry in Mumbai and draws parallels between the IT hubs of Bangalore and California. The solutions further differentiate between agro-based and mineral-based industries, as well as public and joint sector industries, offering examples for each. This resource is designed to help students understand the diverse world of industries and prepare effectively for their exams by clarifying complex topics and providing structured answers.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 5 – Industries

Chapter summary

Chapter 5, "Industries," for Class 8 Social Science, focuses on understanding the concept of industries as economic activities. It details the essential factors that determine the location of industries and highlights the importance of the iron and steel industry. The chapter also examines the growth of the cotton textile industry and compares global IT centers. Students will learn to distinguish between different types of industries, including agro-based vs. mineral-based and public vs. joint sectors, with practical examples provided for raw materials, end products, and tertiary activities.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the definition and scope of an industry.
  • Identify and explain the factors influencing the location of industries.
  • Recognize the importance of the iron and steel industry as a feeder industry.
  • Analyze the reasons for the growth of the cotton textile industry in specific locations.
  • Compare and contrast different types of industries (agro-based vs. mineral-based, public vs. joint sector).
  • Provide examples of raw materials, end products, and tertiary activities.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Definition of Industry
  • Factors Affecting Industry Location
  • Types of Industries
  • Agro-based Industries
  • Mineral-based Industries
  • Public Sector Industries
  • Joint Sector Industries
  • Iron and Steel Industry
  • Cotton Textile Industry
  • Information Technology Industry
  • Tertiary Activities
  • Raw Materials and End Products

Important topics

  • Factors Affecting Industry Location
  • Types of Industries (Agro-based vs. Mineral-based)
  • Sectoral Classification (Public vs. Joint)
  • Significance of Iron and Steel Industry
  • Comparison of IT Hubs

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Answer the following questions.

(i) What is meant by the term 'industry'?

(ii) Which are the main factors which influence the location of an industry?

(iii) Which industry is often referred to as the backbone of modern industry and why?

(iv) Why did the cotton textile industry rapidly expand in Mumbai?

(v) What are the similarities between the information technology industry in Bangalore and California?

Solution:

(i) An industry refers to an economic activity that involves the production of goods, the extraction of minerals, or the provision of services. It encompasses all activities related to transforming raw materials into finished products or offering specialized services.

(ii) Several key factors influence the location of an industry. These include the availability of essential resources like raw materials, land, and water. Additionally, factors such as the availability of labor, power supply, capital for investment, efficient transport networks, and proximity to markets where the products can be sold are crucial.

(iii) The iron and steel industry is widely recognized as the backbone of modern industry. This is because it produces iron and steel, which are fundamental raw materials used in the manufacturing processes of numerous other industries, such as machinery, construction, automobiles, and defense equipment.

(iv) The cotton textile industry experienced rapid expansion in Mumbai due to a combination of favorable conditions. Initially, the region offered a warm and moist climate suitable for cotton processing. The presence of a well-developed port facilitated the import of necessary machinery and the export of finished goods. Furthermore, the easy availability of raw cotton and a skilled labor force contributed significantly to its growth.

(v) The information technology (IT) industry in Bangalore shares several similarities with Silicon Valley in California:

(a) Educational and Technological Hubs: Both locations are home to a large number of reputable educational institutions and colleges specializing in science and technology. Bangalore has many IT colleges, while Silicon Valley is situated near world-renowned scientific and technological centers.

(b) Environment: Both Bangalore and Silicon Valley are known for their relatively low pollution levels and clean environments, which are conducive to the IT sector's workforce and operations.

Question 2

Tick the correct answer.

(i) Silicon Valley is located in

(a) Bangalore (b) California (c) Ahmedabad

(ii) Which one of the following industries is known as a sunrise industry?

(a) Iron and steel industry (b) Cotton textile (c) Information Technology

(iii) Which one of the following is a natural fibre?

(a) nylon (b) jute (c) acrylic

Solution:

(i) The correct option is (b) California. Silicon Valley is a well-known technology hub located in the northern part of California, USA.

(ii) The correct option is (c) Information Technology. Sunrise industries, characterized by rapid growth and innovation, often include sectors like IT, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

(iii) The correct option is (b) jute. Jute is a natural fiber obtained from plants. Nylon and acrylic are synthetic fibers produced through chemical processes.

Question 3

Distinguish between the followings.

(i) Agro-based and mineral-based industry

(ii) Public sector and joint sector industry

Solution:

(i) The distinction between agro-based and mineral-based industries is based on their raw materials:

  • Agro-based Industry: These industries utilize plant and animal-based products as their raw materials. Examples include the leather industry (using animal skin) and the food processing industry (using crops).
  • Mineral-based Industry: These industries use mineral ores as their primary raw materials. Examples include the iron and steel industry, which uses iron ore, and industries that use limestone.

(ii) The distinction between public sector and joint sector industries lies in their ownership and operation:

  • Public Sector Industry: These industries are owned and operated by the government. Examples include government-owned enterprises like Maruti Udyog (historically).
  • Joint Sector Industry: These industries are owned and operated jointly by the government (state) and private individuals or companies. An example is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which operates under joint ownership.

Question 4

Give two examples of each of the following.

(i) Raw materials

(ii) End products

(iii) Tertiary activities

(iv) Agro-based industries

(v) Cottage industries

(vi) Co-operatives

Solution:

(i) Raw materials: Ores (like iron ore, bauxite) and plants (like cotton, sugarcane).

(ii) End products: Clothes that we wear (from cotton) and a car (made from steel and other components).

(iii) Tertiary activities: These are service-oriented activities. Examples include trade (buying and selling goods) and banking (financial services).

(iv) Agro-based industries: Industries that use agricultural products as raw materials. Examples are the food processing industry (using fruits, vegetables, grains) and the leather industry (using animal hides).

(v) Cottage industries: Small-scale industries often run at home by artisans. Examples include basket weaving and pottery making.

(vi) Co-operatives: These are organizations owned and run by a group of people for their mutual benefit. Examples include AMUL (Anand Milk Union Limited) and Sudha Dairy, which are dairy cooperatives.

Question 1 (More Questions Solved)

Choose the correct option.

(i) What class of economic activities does manufacturing come under?

(a) Primary (b) Secondary (c) Tertiary (d) Primary as well as secondary

(ii) Which industry is the base of all other industries?

(a) Cotton textile industry (b) Leather industry (c) Iron and steel industry (d) IT industry

(iii) What class of industries does Maruti Udyog come under?

(a) Joint sector (b) Private sector (c) Public sector (d) Cooperative sector

(iv) Which of these factors affect the location of industries?

(a) Power (b) Availability of raw material (c) Transport (d) All of these

(v) What process does the iron ore undergo in a blast furnace?

(a) Smelting (b) Refining

Solution:

(i) The correct option is (b) Secondary. Manufacturing involves transforming raw materials into finished goods, which is a characteristic of secondary economic activities.

(ii) The correct option is (c) Iron and steel industry. The iron and steel industry is fundamental because it supplies essential materials like iron and steel, which are used as inputs for a vast range of other industries.

(iii) The correct option is (c) Public sector. Historically, Maruti Udyog was a public sector undertaking, meaning it was owned and operated by the Indian government.

(iv) The correct option is (d) All of these. The location of an industry is influenced by a combination of factors, including the availability of power, raw materials, and efficient transport systems, among others.

(v) The correct option is (a) Smelting. In a blast furnace, iron ore undergoes smelting, a process of applying heat to reduce metal ores into their pure form, separating the metal from its ore.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the definitions of different industry types.
  • Incomplete listing of factors affecting industry location.
  • Not clearly explaining the 'feeder' role of the iron and steel industry.
  • Failing to provide relevant examples for industry classifications.

Revision tips

  • Create a mind map of all factors affecting industry location.
  • Draw a table to compare agro-based and mineral-based industries.
  • List key industries and their sectors (public, private, joint).
  • Practice explaining why specific industries grew in certain cities.
  • Use the examples provided to reinforce understanding of raw materials and end products.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary economic activity associated with manufacturing?

Q2. Which industry is considered the foundation for many other industries due to its role as a supplier of essential materials?

Q3. Which of the following is a key factor influencing the location of an industry?

Q4. An industry owned and operated by the government is classified as:

Q5. Which of the following is an example of an agro-based industry?

Frequently asked questions

What is an industry according to NCERT Class 8 Social Science?

An industry is defined as an economic activity focused on producing goods, extracting minerals, or providing services.

What are the main factors that influence where an industry is located?

Key factors include the availability of raw materials, land, water, labor, power, capital, transport facilities, and proximity to markets.

Why is the iron and steel industry called the 'backbone of modern industry'?

It is called the backbone because its products are essential raw materials used by many other industries for manufacturing.

Can you give examples of agro-based and mineral-based industries?

Agro-based industries include food processing and leather industries, while mineral-based industries include iron and steel.

What is the difference between a public sector and a joint sector industry?

Public sector industries are owned and operated by the government, whereas joint sector industries are owned and operated jointly by the state and individuals.

How do these NCERT solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand concepts, recall facts, and practice distinguishing between different types of industries and their characteristics.

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