NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 4 Industries– This article includes free NCERT Solutions Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 4: Industries to help students of Class 8 learn the solutions and ace their exams.
It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, and guidelines to help the students of Class 8 create a solid conceptual base for Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 4: Industries.
The solutions to all the exercises in Class 8 Geography Social Science Chapter 4 Industries of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science.
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 Industries
The solutions for Chapter 4 Industries are provided below, and students can refer to NCERT Solutions for Class 8 for other subjects as well.
Exercise Page No 41
1. Answer the following questions.
(i) What is meant by the term ‘industry’?
Answer:
The term "industry" refers to economic activity that involves the production of goods, extraction of minerals, or the provision of services. For example, the iron and steel industry produces goods, the coal mining industry extracts minerals, and the tourism industry provides services. Industries can be classified on the basis of raw materials, size and ownership.
- On the basis of Raw material: Divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, depending on the source and nature of inputs.
- On the basis of Size: Divided into small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale industries, depending on workforce and production capacity.
- On the basis of Ownership: Divided into public, private, and cooperative sectors depending on the ownership and management control.
(ii) Which are the main factors which influence the location of an industry?
Answer:
The location of an industry is influenced by many factors, including geographical and non-geographical factors. The most important factors are: are the availability of raw material, land, water, labour, power, capital, transport and market.
- Raw Material: Industries need materials to make products. They choose places where these materials are easy to find, like near forests for wood or mines for minerals.
- Land: Industries need space to build factories and warehouses. They look for places with enough land that are also safe and suitable for construction.
- Water: Many industries need water for their processes, like in making drinks or cooling machines. They prefer areas with access to clean and abundant water sources.
- Labour: Industries require people to work for them. They choose places where there are enough skilled workers available to hire.
- Power: Industries need electricity to run machines and equipment. They prefer locations with reliable power sources to avoid interruptions in production.
- Capital: Industries require money to start and grow. They look for places where they can easily get loans or investments to fund their operations.
- Transport: Industries need to move their products to markets. They prefer areas with good transportation systems, like roads, railways, or ports, for easy movement of goods.
- Market: Industries want to sell their products where there are many buyers. They choose locations close to areas with high demand for what they produce.
The location of an industry is where all of these factors are easily available. For example, the automobile industry developed in Detroit, Michigan, due to its proximity to raw materials like iron and coal and the Great Lakes waterway, which facilitated transportation.
(iii) Which industry is often referred to as the backbone of modern industry and why?
Answer:
The iron and steel industry is often called the backbone of modern industry because almost everything we use is made of iron or steel, or has been made with the tools and machinery of these metals. For example, ships, trains, trucks, and autos are made largely of steel. Even the safety pins and the needles you use are made from steel. Oil wells are drilled with steel machinery and steel pipelines transport oil.
The iron and steel industry is important for the growth and development of modern civilization because it has strong linkages with other sectors of the economy. The steel industry is basically the feeder industry, whose products are the raw materials for other industries.The production and consumption of iron and steel are one of the most significant measures of the level of industrialization and economic growth of a country.
India has developed its iron and steel industry taking advantage of market, transport, and cheap labor. The most important steel producing centers in India are spread over four states – Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
2. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Fort Gloster is located in
(a) West Bengal
(b) California
(c) Gujarat
Answer:
(a) West Bengal
(ii) Which one of the following is a natural fiber?
(a) nylon
(b) jute
(c) acrylic
Answer:
(b) Jute
3. Distinguish between the following.
(i) Agro-based and mineral based industry
Answer:
Differences between Agro-based and mineral based industry are:
| Features | Agro-based Industry | Mineral-based Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material | Utilizes agricultural products as raw materials | Depends on minerals and ores as raw materials |
| Examples | Food processing (e.g., milling, refining) | Mining (e.g., coal mining, metal extraction) |
| Dependence on Nature | Highly dependent on seasonal and weather factors. | Less influenced by seasonal changes. |
| Processing Techniques | Involves various processing methods (e.g., drying, milling). | Often involves extraction and refining processes. |
| Geographic Location | Often located close to agricultural regions. | Can be located near mineral deposits or mining sites. |
| Employment Opportunities | Provides employment in farming, processing, and related sectors. | Employment opportunities in mining, refining, and associated industries. |
| Environmental Impact | Concerns include land use, water consumption, and pesticide use. | Environmental concerns related to mining practices, waste management, and habitat disruption. |
| Economic Contribution | Contributes to agricultural value chain and rural economy. | Contributes to industrialization and export earnings. |
| Product Diversity | Produces a wide range of food and agricultural products. | Produces various minerals used in construction, manufacturing, and energy production. |
(ii) Public sector and joint sector industry
Answer:
Difference between Public sector and joint sector industry are:
| Features | Public Sector Industry | Joint Sector Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Owned and operated by the government. | Ownership shared between government and private entities. |
| Investment | Funding primarily comes from government sources. | Funding comes from both government and private investors. |
| Control | Controlled and managed by government authorities. | Control shared between government and private investors. |
| Decision Making | Decision-making centralized. | Decision-making may involve both government and private stakeholders. |
| Profit Distribution | Profits often reinvested or used for public welfare. | Profits distributed among shareholders, including government. |
| Accountability | Subject to government regulations and oversight. | Subject to both government and private sector regulations. |
| Risk Sharing | Government bears significant risk. | Risks shared between government and private investors. |
| Strategic Importance | Often involved in strategic sectors like defense, infrastructure. | May be involved in various industries depending on joint venture agreements. |
3. Give two examples of the following in the space provided:
(i) Raw Materials: ____ and _____
Answer:
Raw Materials: Iron Ore and Cotton Fibre.
(ii) End products: ____and ____
Answer:
End products: Automobiles and Television sets.
(iii) Tertiary Activities: _____ and ____
Answer:
Tertiary Activities: Transportation (e.g., airlines, railways) and Education (e.g., schools, universities).
(iv) Agro-based Industries: _____and _____
Answer:
Agro-based Industries: Sugar refineries and Dairy processing plants.
(v) Cottage Industries: _____and ______
Answer:
Cottage Industries: Handloom weaving and Pottery making.
(vi) Co-operatives: _______ and _______
Answer:
Co-operatives: Agricultural co-operatives (e.g., farmer co-operatives) and Consumer co-operatives (e.g., retail co-operatives).
Chapter 4 – Industries Summary
Chapter 4 focuses on industries, covering aspects such as industrialization, manufacturing processes, and economic development. It explores the significance of industries in generating employment, promoting economic growth, and fostering innovation. The chapter discusses various types of industries, including primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. It addresses challenges faced by industries, such as environmental pollution, resource depletion, and labor issues. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable industrial practices for environmental conservation and social welfare. The chapter also highlights the role of government policies, technological advancements, and international trade in shaping industrial development.
Important Topics Discussed in the Chapter
Important topics discussed in the chapter are: