Energy and Natural Resources of India: Class 5 Study Guide
We use energy to cook, travel and light our homes. Some energy sources will run out and some will not.
Natural resources are things from nature that we use: water, soil, forests, coal, petroleum and sunlight. Renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind and flowing water, can be used again and again. Non-renewable resources, such as coal, petroleum and natural gas, took millions of years to form and will run out.
In India, coal is burned in power stations to make electricity. Water stored behind dams, as at Bhakra in the north, turns turbines to make hydroelectricity. Sunny places such as Rajasthan and Gujarat use solar panels, and windy places such as Tamil Nadu use wind turbines.
Renewable and non-renewable
| Renewable | Non-renewable |
|---|---|
| Sunlight (solar) | Coal |
| Wind | Petroleum (petrol and diesel) |
| Flowing water (hydro) | Natural gas |
| Biogas from waste |
Ways to save energy
Switch off lights and fans when you leave a room. Use daylight where you can. Walk, cycle or share a ride for short trips. Fix leaking taps because pumping water uses electricity. Choose appliances with a good energy rating.
Lights, fans, chargers.
Walk short distances.
Use buses and shared rides.
It saves energy to make new things.
Why does it matter?
Burning coal and petrol adds smoke and gases to the air, which harm health and the climate. Using more renewable sources and saving energy helps keep the air cleaner. Every household's small choices add up.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Is wind renewable? Yes, because the wind keeps blowing. Example: Is petrol renewable? No, it will run out. Common mistakes: thinking that renewable sources do not need care, and thinking that saving a little energy makes no difference. Large savings come from many small actions.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. For example sunlight and wind. 2. They took millions of years to form and are used faster than they form. 3. For example switching off lights and fans when not needed.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Renewable resources can be used again and again.
- Coal, petrol and gas are non-renewable.
- India uses sun, wind and water to make electricity.
- We can all save energy.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name two renewable resources.
- Why do coal and petrol run out?
- Name two ways to save electricity at home.
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