Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Conventional Sources of Energy:
These are traditional energy sources that have been in use for a long time. They include firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity (both hydel and thermal). Most are non-renewable fossil fuels formed over millions of years. They are exhaustible and cause serious environmental pollution on burning.

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy:
These are renewable and environment-friendly alternatives. They include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy. They are inexhaustible and cause little or no pollution.

Key Differences:

| Basis | Conventional | Non-Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Mostly non-renewable | Renewable |
| Pollution | Causes pollution | Eco-friendly |
| Availability | Exhaustible | Inexhaustible |
| Cost | Rising prices/shortages | Freely available |

Rising prices of oil and gas, potential shortages, and environmental damage have made it urgent to shift to non-conventional sources like solar, wind, and biogas.

Source: Resources and Development, Chapter 5 — Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

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• Examiners expect a clear contrast — either a table or parallel points for each type.
• Mention examples of both types (directly from the chapter).
• Include the why shift reason: exhaustibility, pollution, price rise — this completes a 5-mark answer.
• Avoid padding; keep language simple and factual.
• A table here saves words and earns full credit for the comparison aspect.