Here are 30 short-answer questions (2-3 marks each) based on Chapter 2: Inside Our Earth from Class 7 Geography.

1. What are the three layers of the Earth?

The three layers of the Earth are:

1. Crust – The outermost layer

2. Mantle – The middle layer

3. Core – The innermost layer

2. What is the Earth's crust made of?

The crust is made up of silica (Si) and aluminium (Al), which form a layer called SIAL.

3. What is the mantle?

The mantle is the middle layer of the Earth, located below the crust. It extends up to 2,900 km deep and is made of molten rocks called magma.

4. What is the core made of?

The core is made of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe), so it is called NIFE.

5. Why is the inner core solid despite high temperature?

The inner core remains solid due to immense pressure, which prevents it from melting.

6. What are rocks?

Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials composed of minerals.

7. Name the three types of rocks.

The three types of rocks are:

1. Igneous rocks

2. Sedimentary rocks

3. Metamorphic rocks

8. How are igneous rocks formed?

Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

9. What are the two types of igneous rocks?

The two types of igneous rocks are:

1. Intrusive igneous rocks – Formed inside the Earth (e.g., granite).

2. Extrusive igneous rocks – Formed on the surface (e.g., basalt).

10. How are sedimentary rocks formed?

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and compression of sediments over time.

11. Give two examples of sedimentary rocks.

Limestone and sandstone.

12. What are metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphic rocks are formed when igneous or sedimentary rocks undergo heat and pressure to change into a new type of rock.

13. Give two examples of metamorphic rocks.

Marble (from limestone) and slate (from shale).

14. What is the rock cycle?

The rock cycle is the continuous process where rocks change from one type to another due to heat, pressure, and weathering.

15. How is magma different from lava?

Magma is molten rock inside the Earth, while lava is magma that reaches the surface.

16. What is the importance of rocks?

Rocks are used for building materials, making tools, and extracting minerals.

17. What is the crust mainly composed of?

The crust is mainly composed of silicon, aluminium, and oxygen.

18. What is humus?

Humus is decayed organic matter found in soil.

19. What are minerals?

Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in rocks.

20. Give two examples of metallic minerals.

Iron and gold.

21. Give two examples of non-metallic minerals.

Coal and salt.

22. What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface due to movement of tectonic plates.

23. What are tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move due to convection currents in the mantle.

24. What is weathering?

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks by wind, water, and temperature changes.

25. What are fossils?

Fossils are the preserved remains of ancient plants and animals found in sedimentary rocks.

26. What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Intrusive rocks cool slowly inside the Earth (e.g., granite), while extrusive rocks cool quickly on the surface (e.g., basalt).

27. Why are sedimentary rocks called stratified rocks?

They are called stratified rocks because they are formed in layers over time.

28. What are the two parts of the core?

The inner core (solid) and outer core (liquid).

29. Which layer of the Earth is the thickest?

The mantle is the thickest layer.

30. How do metamorphic rocks form?

They form when igneous or sedimentary rocks undergo heat and pressure deep inside the Earth.