Question

Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): There is an inverse relationship between quality and quantity of minerals.
Reason (R): Good quality minerals are less in quantity as compared to low quality minerals.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
• D. (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.

Hint:

High-quality minerals are scarce due to over-exploitation and natural rarity, making low-grade minerals more commonly available.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

There is generally an inverse relationship between the quality and quantity of mineral resources. High-grade (good quality) mineral ores are found in smaller quantities, while low-grade (poor quality) ores are more abundantly available.
This is because high-quality mineral reserves have been extensively mined over time.
Most remaining mineral deposits are either of lower grade or more difficult to extract economically.
Hence, the scarcity of high-quality minerals explains the inverse relationship. Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason accurately explains the assertion.