Learn Unit V: Natural Resources with Free Lessons & Tips

Many thermal plants are set up near coal or oil fields because:

1. Fuel Availability: Thermal power plants primarily rely on coal or oil as fuel for generating electricity. Setting up plants near coal or oil fields reduces transportation costs and ensures a steady and reliable supply of fuel to the power plants.

2. Efficiency: Proximity to coal or oil fields allows for efficient extraction and transportation of fuel to the power plants, minimizing losses associated with fuel transportation and storage.

3. Infrastructure: Coal or oil fields often have existing infrastructure such as railways, pipelines, and storage facilities, which can be utilized for transporting fuel to thermal power plants, thereby reducing initial setup costs and time.

Renewable resources of energy are those that are replenished naturally and are not depleted with use. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. Non-renewable resources of energy are those that are finite and deplete over time with use. Examples include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Geothermal energy is heat energy derived from the Earth's internal heat. It can be harnessed for various purposes, including electricity generation and direct heating applications. Advantages of wind energy include:

1. Renewable: Wind energy is a renewable resource, meaning it can be replenished naturally and is not depleted with use.
2. Clean: Wind energy production does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, contributing to reduced environmental impact and improved air quality.
3. Cost-effective: Once installed, wind turbines have relatively low operational and maintenance costs compared to conventional fossil fuel-based power plants.

The principle of generation of electric power by a boiling water type nuclear reactor involves:

1. Nuclear fission reactions occurring in the reactor core, where uranium fuel rods undergo controlled chain reactions, producing large amounts of heat.
2. The heat generated from nuclear fission is used to boil water and produce steam.
3. The high-pressure steam produced is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, converting the mechanical energy of the turbines into electrical energy. The coolant used in such a reactor is water.

• Consumers play a vital role in the food chain by feeding on other organisms, thereby obtaining energy and nutrients for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. They help regulate population sizes of prey species and contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

• Biodegradable substances are those that can be broken down into simpler substances by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, leading to their decomposition and recycling in the environment. Non-biodegradable substances are those that cannot be broken down by natural processes and persist in the environment for a long time, causing pollution and environmental damage.

Prejudice against the traditional use of forests often lacks basis because traditional forest management practices, when carried out sustainably, can be compatible with conservation goals and biodiversity preservation. Many indigenous communities have demonstrated effective forest stewardship practices that maintain ecological balance while meeting their livelihood needs.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for future use. It can be done at the local level through the installation of rainwater harvesting systems such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater storage tanks, and permeable pavements. Benefits of rainwater harvesting include: