Science Class 9 - Natural Resources Notes

Natural Resources

Welcome to the chapter on Natural Resources for Class 9. In this chapter, you will learn about the different resources provided by nature, their importance, types, and how we can use and conserve them. By the end of this chapter, you will understand why natural resources are vital for life and how to protect them for the future.

Introduction

Natural resources are materials and substances found in nature that are used by living things. They are essential for our survival and development. Examples include air, water, soil, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels.

Types of Natural Resources

• Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replaced or regenerated naturally, such as sunlight, wind, water, and forests.
• Non-renewable Resources: Resources that cannot be replaced easily and may run out, such as coal, petroleum, and minerals.

Importance of Natural Resources

• Provide food, water, and shelter for living beings.
• Support economic development and industries.
• Maintain ecological balance and support biodiversity.

Major Natural Resources

• Air: Needed for breathing and combustion.
• Water: Essential for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
• Soil: Supports plant growth and agriculture.
• Minerals: Used in construction, manufacturing, and technology.
• Forests: Provide oxygen, wood, and habitat for wildlife.
• Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas used for energy.

Conservation of Natural Resources

• Use resources wisely and avoid wastage.
• Recycle and reuse materials.
• Plant trees and protect forests.
• Reduce pollution and use clean energy sources.
• Educate others about the importance of conservation.

Practice Questions

1. What are natural resources? Give two examples.
2. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
3. Why is water considered a vital natural resource?
4. List three ways to conserve natural resources.
5. Name two non-renewable resources and their uses.

Challenge Yourself

• Make a poster showing how to save water at home and school.
• Research and write about a renewable energy source used in your city or country.

Did You Know?

• Solar energy is a renewable resource that can power homes and industries.
• India is one of the largest producers of coal in the world.

Glossary

• Resource: A supply of something useful.
• Renewable: Can be replaced naturally.
• Non-renewable: Cannot be replaced easily.
• Conservation: Protecting and saving resources for the future.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. Natural resources are materials found in nature, such as water and minerals.
2. Renewable resources can be replaced naturally (e.g., sunlight, wind); non-renewable resources cannot be replaced easily (e.g., coal, petroleum).
3. Water is needed for drinking, farming, cleaning, and industry.
4. Use resources wisely, recycle, plant trees.
5. Coal (used for electricity), petroleum (used for fuel).

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Protect natural resources to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for everyone!