Class 7 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Summary Notes PDF Download
FAQs on Inside Our Earth Class 7 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. How can you quickly summarise the three main layers of the Earth for revision?
For a quick revision, remember the Earth's interior has three concentric layers. The outermost, thinnest layer is the crust, where we live. Below this lies the mantle, a thick layer of semi-molten rock. At the centre is the core, which is divided into a liquid outer core and a solid inner core, composed mainly of nickel and iron.
2. What is the key difference between the continental crust (Sial) and oceanic crust (Sima)?
The main difference lies in their composition. The continental crust, or Sial, is primarily made of silica and alumina. In contrast, the oceanic crust, or Sima, is mainly composed of silica and magnesium. The continental crust is also thicker than the oceanic crust.
3. What is a quick summary of the three major rock types?
The three major rock types are:
- Igneous Rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. They are also called primary rocks.
- Sedimentary Rocks: Formed when small particles of other rocks (sediments) are compressed and hardened over time.
- Metamorphic Rocks: Formed when igneous or sedimentary rocks are changed by intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth.
4. For revision, how can one distinguish between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
The key distinction is where they cool. Extrusive rocks, like basalt, form when lava cools rapidly on the Earth's surface, resulting in fine-grained structures. Intrusive rocks, like granite, form when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, allowing large grains to form.
5. How does the rock cycle concept connect all three rock types?
The rock cycle describes the continuous transformation of rocks. Molten magma cools to form igneous rocks. These rocks can weather into sediments, which form sedimentary rocks. When subjected to heat and pressure, both igneous and sedimentary rocks can transform into metamorphic rocks. If any rock melts, it becomes magma again, restarting the cycle.
6. Why are igneous rocks referred to as 'primary rocks' in the chapter summary?
Igneous rocks are called primary rocks because they are the first rocks formed directly from the cooling of molten material (magma or lava). All other rock types, sedimentary and metamorphic, are formed from the alteration, breakdown, or transformation of these original igneous rocks, making them secondary in origin.
7. How can a sedimentary rock like limestone eventually become molten magma again?
The transformation involves multiple steps in the rock cycle. First, limestone (a sedimentary rock) can get buried deep beneath other layers. The immense heat and pressure will change it into marble (a metamorphic rock). If the temperature and pressure increase even further, the marble will eventually melt and turn back into molten magma, ready to start the cycle anew.
8. If the Earth's inner core is the hottest layer, why is it solid and not liquid?
Despite the extreme temperatures, the inner core remains solid due to the immense pressure exerted by all the overlying layers. This incredible pressure is so high that it forces the atoms of iron and nickel to pack tightly together, preventing them from entering a liquid state and keeping the inner core solid.
9. What are the key practical uses of rocks and minerals to remember for revision?
For revision, remember these key uses:
- Construction: Hard rocks like granite and sandstone are used for building roads, houses, and bridges.
- Industry: Limestone is a key ingredient for making cement.
- Fuels: Minerals like coal, natural gas, and petroleum are vital energy sources.
- Everyday Items: Many minerals are used to make things like fertilisers, medicines, and even chalk.
10. Why is the Earth's crust, the thinnest layer, considered the most significant for a chapter summary on 'Inside Our Earth'?
While it is the thinnest layer, the crust is the most significant because it is the only layer that directly supports all life and ecosystems. It contains our continents and oceans, holds all the minerals and soils necessary for civilisation and agriculture, and is the surface upon which all geological processes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have a direct impact on us.











