Natural Sources of Water
- Water is an essential resource for all living beings; it is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
- Some natural sources of Water are seas, oceans, Lakes, rivers, hot springs etc.
- Water is a natural resource. Almost 70% of this Earth is covered with Water. Some freshwater resources are rivers, oceans, lakes, ponds and streams.
- Water is essential for normal body function; the body's organ systems would not work properly without sufficient Water.
- Water is also used in agricultural fields, industries and for domestic purposes.
- The natural phenomenon which maintains the availability of freshwater on Earth is called the water cycle.
- Water occurs in three states. Ice and water vapour are solid and gaseous states, respectively.
Sources and Uses of Water
Question 1:
Name Three Natural Sources of Water and Give Examples.
Answer:
Three natural sources of Water are as follows:
- Precipitation/ Rainfall: Rainfall is a natural source of Water.
- Groundwater:The Water from rainfall seeps through the pores of the top soil layer and is
stored below the subsoil layer, which is called groundwater.
Plants absorb groundwater through their root hairs.
Humans collect ground water from tube wells and by using hand pumps. - Surface water:Rivers, oceans, lakes, streams, and ponds are excellent surface water sources. Both humans and animals can collect Water from these surface resources.
Question 2:
What Are the Causes of Water Shortage?
Answer:
The reasons for the shortage of Water are as follows:
- Water sources are exploited everywhere due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
- Water resources are overused in the name of agriculture.
- Some industries use excessive Water to generate hydroelectric power for running machines which encourages water exploitation and scarcity.
- Some people do not use water resources judiciously for domestic purposes.
Question 3:
What Are the Differences Between Sleet and Hail?
Answer:
The differences between sleet and hail are as follows:
| Sleet | Hail |
|---|---|
1. Sleet forms during winter. |
1. Hail forms in summer during thunderstorms. |
2. Sleets are made with ice pellets but are not as hard as hails. |
2. Hails are like stones; they are heavier than sleets and can cause huge damage to human-made structures and crops. |
|
|
Question 4:
What Is an Aquifer?
Answer:
- The lowermost layer of the soil profile that stores Water is called an aquifer.
- Groundwater which we use collects in aquifers.
Question 5:
What Are Artesian Wells?
Answer:
- Artesian wells are natural wells from which Water flows under the influence of natura pressure without pumping.
Properties and Purification of Water
Question 1:
Why Is Distilled Water Used Instead of Tap Water in Chemical Laboratories?
Answer:
In chemical laboratories, distilled Water is used to perform chemical reactions for the following reasons:
- It is pure, and it is free from any other elements.
- Distilled Water is non-reactive, which is why it does not affect the results of various chemical reactions.
- Distilled Water is also free from microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
Question 2:
Name Some Contaminants Removed From the Sewage Water During the Industrial Water Treatment.
Answer:
Some contaminants that are removed during the industrial water treatment process are as follows:
- Toxic pesticides and herbicides.
- Plastics and microplastics.
- Hazardous drugs.
- Toxic heavy metals like mercury and lead.
- Sand, gravel, grit, metal particles.
- Organic wastes like plant materials, animal faeces, animal bodies etc.