Science · X-Factor Notes
Metals, Minerals, Ores: Properties, Uses revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
20 revision facts
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Elemental Abundance | Earth's crust is the main source of elements. Among metals, Aluminium is found in the highest amount in the Earth's crust. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002 |
| Mineral Definition | Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and physical properties. | - |
| Aluminium Ores | Bauxite (Al₂O₃·2H₂O) is the most important ore of aluminium. Other major ores include cryolite (Na₃AlF₆), corundum (Al₂O₃), and diaspore (AlO(OH)). The aluminium industry primarily uses bauxite as its principal raw material. | U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006; UPPCS (Pre) 2010; UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015; UPPCS (Pre) 2002; UPPCS (Pre) 2020 |
| Rubies and Sapphires | These gemstones are chemically known as Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3). | UPPCS (Pre) 2010 |
| Thorium Ore | Monazite is an important ore of Thorium. | I.A.S. (Pre) 1994 |
| Iron Ore | Iron is obtained from Haematite (Fe2O3). Haematite is the high-grade iron ore mined at Bailadila. | U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017 |
| Mica Use | Mica is used as a raw material in the Electrical industry. | U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Heaviest Element/Metal | Uranium is the heaviest naturally occurring element. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004 |
| Hardest Substance | Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth (it is a non-metal). Among metals, Tungsten is the hardest. | UPPCS (Pre) 1996 |
| Softest and Lighter Metal | Sodium is a metal so soft it can be easily cut with a knife. Sodium is lighter than water, along with Lithium and Potassium. | U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2020; Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003 |
| Electrical/ Thermal Conductivity | Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity. Lead is a poor conductor of heat. Mercury is the poorest conductor of heat among all metals. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002; U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2020; |
| Reactivity and Native State | Gold is one of the least reactive metals, accessed in its native (pure) state in nature. Gold is also the most flexible metal (malleable). Copper does not react when steam passes over it. | UPPCS (Mains) 2016; U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002 |
| Special Metal: Mercury | Mercury is the only common metal that is liquid at ordinary temperature. Its high circulation power makes it suitable for thermometers. | UPPCS (Mains) 2014; U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2003; UPPCS (Pre) 2005 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Storage | Sodium metal is stored under kerosene oil because it is extremely reactive and would otherwise react with oxygen in the air. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998 |
| Gold Solubility | Gold dissolves in Aqua regia, which is a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid in a 3:1 ratio. | U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021 |
| Corrosion/Galvanization | Corrosion (rusting) of iron requires Oxygen and moisture. Galvanized iron pipes have a coating of Zinc for protection. | I.A.S. (Pre) 1994; U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2016 |
| Limestone | Chemically, Limestone is Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). It is the main ingredient of cement. | UPPCS (Pre) 1993 |
| Gypsum | Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is a soft sulfate mineral that contains calcium. | UPPCS (Pre) 2019 |
| Plaster of Paris | Commonly used by doctors and artists, Plaster of Paris is chemically calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4 · ½H2O). | U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl.) (Pre) 2004 |
| Industrial Processes | Smelting is the metallurgical process where metal is obtained in a fused state by the reduction of ore at high temperature. Smelting is associated with the Copper industry. | I.A.S. (Pre) 2000 |
