CBSE Class 10 Economics Chapter 3 Notes - Download FREE PDF
Money and Credit Class 10 Notes: CBSE Economics Chapter 3
FAQs on Money and Credit Class 10 Notes: CBSE Economics Chapter 3
1. What are the modern forms of money primarily discussed in the Class 10 Economics Chapter 3 notes?
The two main modern forms of money are currency (paper notes and coins) and demand deposits held in banks. Unlike historical forms of money like grain or livestock, modern currency is accepted as a medium of exchange because it is authorised by the country's government.
2. For a quick revision, why is money considered a 'medium of exchange'?
Money functions as a medium of exchange because it acts as an intermediary in transactions. It eliminates the major hurdle of the barter system, which is the need for a double coincidence of wants, by providing a commonly accepted unit for buying and selling goods and services.
3. How do banks function as intermediaries using deposits, as per the chapter's summary?
Banks act as intermediaries by performing a simple mechanism: they accept surplus funds from individuals (depositors) and use the major portion of these deposits to extend loans to those who need funds (borrowers). Banks pay a certain interest rate on deposits and charge a higher interest rate on loans, with the difference being their primary source of income.
4. What is the core difference between formal and informal sources of credit?
The core difference lies in regulation and cost.
- Formal sector credit includes loans from banks and cooperatives, which are supervised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and have structured, lower interest rates.
- Informal sector credit involves loans from moneylenders, traders, or relatives. This sector is not regulated, and lenders can charge very high interest rates, often leading to a debt-trap.
5. What key concept does 'collateral' represent in a loan agreement?
Collateral is an asset (like land, vehicle, or livestock) that the borrower owns and pledges as a guarantee to the lender until the loan is repaid. It serves as security for the lender; if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to sell the collateral to recover the payment.
6. How can credit have both a positive and negative impact on a borrower?
Credit has a positive impact when it helps a borrower meet production costs or invest in their business, leading to increased income and an improved financial situation. Conversely, it has a negative impact when circumstances like crop failure or business loss prevent repayment, pushing the borrower into a debt-trap where they must take on new debt just to pay off the old.
7. What is the main purpose of forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas?
The main purpose of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is to pool the small savings of its members (typically 15-20 people) to create a fund for providing timely, low-interest loans. A key function is to help borrowers, especially women, overcome the problem of lacking collateral and gain financial self-reliance.
8. Why do banks hold only a small fraction of their deposits as cash reserves?
Banks keep only a small proportion of deposits as cash (about 15% in India) because they know from experience that all depositors will not withdraw their money at the same time. This small reserve is sufficient to meet the daily withdrawal demands, allowing the bank to use the majority of the deposits to issue loans and earn interest.
9. What are the basic 'terms of credit' one should know for revision?
The 'terms of credit' refer to the set of conditions under which a loan is provided. For a quick recap, these essential terms include the interest rate, the requirement for collateral and documentation, and the mode of repayment (the duration and method of paying back the principal and interest).

















