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Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.

Q1. [2] deep thorough-understanding
Mica is prized for its di-electric and insulating properties, while copper is valued for its electrical conductivity. Both are described as indispensable to the electrical and electronics industries. Explain the specific role each mineral plays in this industry, and account for why the industry cannot function without both despite their seemingly opposite electrical properties.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:35 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Mica acts as an insulator in electrical devices. Its excellent di-electric strength, low power loss factor, and resistance to high voltage prevent current from leaking between components, protecting circuits.

Copper, being malleable, ductile, and a good conductor, is used in electrical cables and electronics to carry current efficiently.

Both are essential: copper transmits electricity, while mica controls and contains it — making safe, functional electrical systems impossible without either.

Source: Chapter 5 — Non-Metallic Minerals; Non-Ferrous Minerals

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Explanation

The examiner wants you to identify the specific property of each mineral and then address the "why both are needed" part — that's the analytical step many students skip. The key insight is that an electrical industry needs both conduction (copper) and insulation/control (mica); they are complementary, not contradictory. Stick to textbook terms: "di-electric strength," "insulating properties," "malleable," "ductile," "good conductor." Don't write general facts about where they are found — the question is about their role.

Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.