AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Coal is a bulky material that loses weight on use as it is reduced to ash. Transporting large quantities of coal over long distances is costly and inefficient. Therefore, heavy industries and thermal power stations are set up on or near coalfields to minimize transportation costs and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
Source: Conventional Sources of Energy, Chapter 5
The textbook directly states: "Coal is a bulky material, which loses weight on use as it is reduced to ash. Hence, heavy industries and thermal power stations are located on or near the coalfields." Your answer must include both key points — (1) coal is bulky and loses weight, and (2) this makes transportation costly/impractical. Examiners expect these two points for 2 marks.