Category: Science

Introduction

In India notably, agriculture has been practised for thousands of years without the use of artificial tools. Fertilizers that were developed in the middle of the 19th century were powerful, affordable, and easily accessible at the time, but they also had several negative side effects, such as soil erosion, water pollution, and animal body accumulation. To combat these side effects, efforts were made to find cures while simultaneously maintaining a high yield. In the 1930s, Albert Howard introduced an organic farming system to Britain by fusing his scientific techniques with traditional farming practices from India (manure, compost, and crop rotation).

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture derives from the Latin words “ager,” meaning “field,” and “colo,” meaning “to cultivate,” meaning to use or prepare a field or piece of land for producing crops. It also covers raising animals like cattle for dairy needs.

What is Organic Agriculture? 

Organic farming is the practice of cultivating crops using organic farming techniques. Compost, manure, and green manure are examples of natural fertilizers used to boost fertility and plant growth. Crop rotation is one natural or biological technique suggested to improve soil fertility. The land is allowed some time to rest after raising a crop so that it can naturally regain its fertility.

Types of Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture is categorized into two types.

Pure organic farming:

• In this kind of organic farming, farmers only utilize natural ingredients to promote plant growth, improve soil fertility, and stop soil erosion. 
• It is best to avoid using any kind of pesticide because it hurt crops, important soil bacteria, and even people who eat the food.

Integrated organic farming:

• This method of organic farming, also known as the “Zero waste” technique, is carried out in such a way that residues or wastes are produced in “zero” proportions.

Aims of Organic Agriculture

• Protecting the environment
• Natural resource conservation
• Keeping the ecological balance 
• Improvement of soil fertility 
• Stop soil erosion 
• Protecting wildlife and plants from the negative effects of artificial fertilizers and chemicals 
• Maximizing agricultural production
• Reduce the number of chemicals we use to produce food

Practices Followed During Organic Agriculture:

• Crop rotation: To preserve soil fertility, different crops are cultivated in alternate years on the same plot of land. 
• Green manure and cover crops: Green manure improves soil fertility and is good for crop plant growth. The term “cover crops” refers to plants whose primary purpose is to prevent soil erosion, but which also progressively mix with the soil as they naturally deteriorate and serve as green manure.
• Compost and manure are made consisting of organic materials that provide nutrients for plants, such as cow dung and other crop plant wastes.
• Bio pest control: By feeding on disease-causing pests, beneficial organisms found in soil can suppress harmful pests.

Steps Involved in Developing Organic Farms

• Using organic management techniques rather than merely conventional farming methods. 
• Environmental conservation and wise use of natural resources. 
• Only natural or biological approaches, such as crop rotation, manure, compost, and cover crops, are employed instead of synthetic media that use chemicals. 
• Weeds should be pulled out since they compete with crops for nutrition and grow alongside them. 
• Pest management by biotechnology for crops. the method of organic farming that is integrated.

Disease Management

• Because infections are a major factor in plants’ decreased output, disease management is necessary. This is accomplished by keeping beneficial organisms in the soil that feed on destructive pests that degrade plants. 
• The major advantage of organic farming is that it preserves beneficial bacteria and fungi that would otherwise be eliminated by the use of conventional fertilizers and pesticides through a system of “checks and balances.” 
• These microbes aid in preserving the soil’s ecosystem and inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Methods of Organic Agriculture: 

• Weed management: Organic farming attempts to lessen the presence of weeds rather than eradicate it.
• Biological pest control: Beneficial microbes that are retained and not permanently destroyed keep harmful disease-causing microbes in check.
• Soil Management: As the most crucial factor in plant growth, soil management involves a variety of techniques. Cover crops, manure, compost, and the maintenance of beneficial organisms are among the measures used to increase its fertility.
• Polyculture: To quickly meet the need for food, many different types of crops are grown at the same time.
• Manure and compost: To increase output while causing the least amount of damage to the soil and plants, organic materials such as plant and animal waste are utilized to create natural fertilizers.

What are the Benefits of Organic Agriculture? 

• Environmental protection is facilitated by reducing chemical use and the pollution that results from it. 
• Since no toxic pesticides are applied, it protects non-target creatures, including people and animals, whose health is impacted when these chemicals build up in their systems. 
• Because organic farming uses naturally produced manure, the high cost of pesticides is reduced. 
• It helps to lessen erosion while also enhancing the soil’s physical attributes including fertility and water-holding capacity.
• Additionally, crop failure risk is decreased.

Disadvantages of Organic Agriculture

• It’s hard to find organic manure in large quantities. 
• Even though ordinary Indian farmers’ agricultural methods are organic, they are not recognized as such and are nonetheless sold for the same prices as conventional (normal) farming produce. 
• A regular farmer cannot understand the regulations of organic farming, which include production, processing, transportation, and crucial certification. 
• Farmers don’t like certification since it is an expensive process that necessitates a lot of paperwork. 
• Since organic farming uses special techniques, its products are typically more expensive for customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is organic farming a new or traditional practice in India??
Ans. Since the beginning, only natural methods have been utilized in India. Artificial methods only began to be used in the 19th century, but as soon as people realized the problems they brought, they quickly returned to favouring organic farming, not just in India but also in other foreign nations.

2. How is organic farming doing in India?
Ans. In India, there is a beginning of organic farming; just 2% of the land is used for organic farming; the remainder is used for conventional farming using synthetic chemicals. By 2030, this will be more successful.

3. What are the main advantages of organic farming over conventional agriculture?
Ans. Preventing soil erosion has several positive effects, including higher soil fertility, better growth conditions, and reduced water contamination. This is a significant issue with conventional farming.

4. What benefits do conventional farming techniques have over organic ones?
Ans. Advantages of Conventional farming: The plants created all have the same genetic makeup. Using this technique, plenty of plants can be grown swiftly. While some plants generate few or no seeds, others do not allow their seeds to germinate.

Introduction

Food security is currently a big issue due to the growing global population. As a result, fertilizer has become crucial to agriculture to feed the world’s expanding population. Fertilizers are substances that aid in providing nutrients to the soil, enhancing crop yield. Additionally, it aids in preserving and enhancing soil fertility. Inorganic, organic, and biofertilizers all work in somewhat different ways to release nutrients into the soil and each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of crop growth and soil fertility.

What are Fertilizers?

Fertilizers are nutrient-rich compounds that are put into the soil to boost soil fertility, which, if added to the needed amount of soil, results in better and higher yields.  Urea hydrolysis is a basic illustration of how fertilizer is applied into the soil.

\[{\bf{CO}}{({\bf{N}}{{\bf{H}}_2})_2}\; + \;{\rm{ }}\;{{\bf{H}}_2}{\bf{O}}\;{\rm{ }}\; + \;{\rm{ }}{\bf{Urease}}\;\;{\bf{2N}}{{\bf{H}}_3}\; + \;{\bf{C}}{{\bf{O}}_2}\]

Here, the most popular fertilizer, urea, or \(CO{\left( {N{H_2}} \right)_2}\), reacts with urease, a naturally occurring chemical produced by the soil, when it is applied to moist soil. It causes the synthesis of \({\bf{N}}{{\bf{H}}_3}\;{\bf{and}}{\rm{ }}{\bf{C}}{{\bf{O}}_2}\), both of which promote soil fertility and plant development. The three essential macronutrients that plants require in the greatest amounts are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potash (K). Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) are additional macronutrients that plants also require, but in smaller amounts.

Types of Fertilizers

Fertilizer is categorized into the following groups according to the composite makeup and various techniques of releasing nutrients:

• Inorganic fertilizers: Inorganic fertilizers are mostly made of chemical compounds like urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, etc. These fertilizers can’t decompose naturally. These fertilizers are often known as synthetic or artificial fertilizers. It is subdivided into two categories:
  • Macronutrients Fertilizers: Primary macronutrients that are rich in Nitrogen,Phosphorous, and Potassium are crucial for any plant’s rapid and healthy growth. Secondary macronutrients, which are similarly important to plants and contain calcium, sulfur, and magnesium, constitute another category.
  • Micronutrients Fertilizers: These fertilizers are designed to give trace amounts of nutrients like Copper, Zinc, Boron, Iron, and Chlorine, among others, even though they have a limited purpose in meeting the basic demands of plants.
• Organic Fertilizers: These easily biodegradable fertilizers are made from naturally occurring materials like sewage, guano, slurry, manure, worm castings, etc. Then, a vast number of microorganisms work to break down these naturally occurring substances into smaller and soluble particles.

• Bio-Fertilizers: Biofertilizers are compounds that generate nutrients from microorganisms that solubilize nitrogen and phosphate. Examples include Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, etc. These microorganisms or bacteria improve the soil’s nutritional content.

Application of fertilizers

• It aids in increasing crop yield and replenishing the soil’s depleted nutrients.
• The ability of nitrogen in fertilizers to make soils acidic is lessened. 
• To grow healthy crops, nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied as much as possible. 
• Chemical fertilizers can be used in smaller amounts while yet providing the soil with enough nutrients to produce a larger yield. 
• Where two crops are growing, using biofertilizers greatly aids in preventing the production of undesirable crops. They are used to cultivate a variety of crops.

Benefits of Fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers (Chemical Fertilizers)	Organic Fertilizers	Biofertilizers
It is simpler to use and handle.	Helpful in bringing soil nutrients to the surface and ensuring that they are delivered to plants in an even distribution.	It guarantees soil enrichment.
It easily dissolves in soil and has an immediate impact on crops since they contain soluble salts.	Keeping the moisture constant, it helps to relieve soil stress.	These fertilizers contain microorganisms that break down complicated organic compounds into simpler, nutrient-rich forms that plants may easily access.
These fertilizers are extremely productive, even if they are only used in modest quantities.	It is environmentally friendly.	Through processes like nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization, it naturally raises the nitrogen and phosphorus content in the soil, making it more nutrient-rich.
By allowing water to penetrate the soil, fertilizers like gypsum help crops develop healthily.	On plants, it has a less harmful effect.	These fertilizers provide hormones like amino acids, vitamins, etc. that promote plant root growth.
Utilizing fertilizers like lime, which lessen the impact of acid on the soil, aids in preserving the soil’s pH equilibrium.	These fertilizers are a rich source of soil bacteria, which in turn aid in growing a healthy crop and ward against pest attacks.

List of Chemical Fertilizers

Nitrogenous Fertilizers	Phosphatic Fertilizers	Potassic Fertilizers
UreaAmmonium sulphate    Ammonium nitrateSodium citrate Potassium nitrateCalcium ammonium nitrate	Rock phosphatePhosphoric acidSuper phosphatesDiammonium phosphate	Muriate of potashSulphate of potash Potassium metaphosphate Potassium nitrate

Summary

Fertilizers are nutrient-rich compounds that are put into the soil to boost soil fertility, which, if added to the needed amount of soil, results in better and higher yields. Fertilizer is categorized into the following groups according to the composite makeup and various techniques of releasing nutrients: chemical, organic, and biofertilizers. To grow healthy crops, nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied as much as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How crucial is fertilizer to feeding the world’s population?
Ans. Fertilizers have nutrient-rich components, and adding them to the soil makes the soil more fertile, which helps to enhance crop output. The rapidly rising agricultural yield aids in supplying the expanding population’s growing need for food.

2. Does incorporating organic fertilizer into the soil enhance crop quality and soil health?
Ans. Organic fertilizers are made from things like slurry, dung, seaweed, etc. Microorganisms transform these complicated compounds into simpler compounds. These more straightforward or nutrient-rich substances are readily absorbed in the soil, which aids in enhancing soil quality and raising crop yields.

3. Can fertilizers harm a person’s health?
Ans. Chemical fertilizers are among those that can have an impact on human health because they include heavy metals like lead, mercury, and others that can harm a person’s kidneys, liver, and lungs.

4. What kind of fertilizer is most used in agriculture, and why?
Ans. To feed a large population, food production must increase. Only fertilizers made of chemicals or inorganic materials could make this possible. The majority of chemical fertilizers are used to produce the highest yield. Given that it contains macronutrients and micronutrients, it provides the soil with a sufficient amount of nutrients to boost crop yield.

5. Why do plants burn when fertilizers are used excessively?
Ans. Salt-based nutrients are present in fertilizers. These salts readily dissolve in water; however, salts used in excess leave the water undissolved. Plants are unable to absorb water and other nutrients because of the undissolved salt that stays in the soil. As a result, it greatly disturbs the soil’s structure and causes plants to burn.

Introduction

All of the body’s cells require energy to support various metabolic processes, thus every living thing engages in cellular respiration to release energy, which is then stored in the form of ATP. After ingestion, food is transported into the stomach via the oesophagus, where stomach acids and enzymes break it down into several smaller bits, including glucose. Since glucose is the most prevalent monosaccharide and the first substrate for the metabolism of carbohydrates, where it is broken down to release energy, glucose and ATP are the molecules that carry the energy.

Definition of Cellular Respiration

All plant and animal cells produce energy through a process called cellular respiration (excluding RBCs). Food glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and energy with or without oxygen throughout this process. As a result, it liberates ATP and releases carbon dioxide as a waste product (adenosine triphosphate).

Difference between Respiration and Breathing

Respiration	Breathing
Respiration is the physiological process of breathing in and breathing out. Energy is released from cells during the chemical breakdown of food-derived glucose.	Breathing is the movement of oxygen into the body from the outside environment and the release of carbon dioxide from the lungs into the outside environment.
It is categorised into cellular respiration and physiological respiration.	Since breathing is a form of respiration, it is often referred to as physiological respiration.
In cells, and notably in cellular organelles like the cytosol and mitochondria, cellular respiration takes place.	It takes place in the lungs.
There is the involvement of enzymes.	There is no involvement of enzymes.
It produces ATP that is converted into energy.	It does not produce energy.

Glycolysis

• One glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvate molecules in this process, which also results in the creation of ATP. 
• Every cell in the body contains it in the cytoplasm. Hexokinase enzyme converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate.
• By using phospho-hexose isomerase, which are isomers of one another, glucose 6-phosphate is converted to fructose 6-phosphate. 
• By phosphorylating fructose 6-phosphate, phosphofructokinase catalyzes the irreversible conversion of fructose 6-phosphate to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.
• Aldolase catalyzes the breakdown of fructose 1,6 bisphosphate into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.
• The reversible interconversion of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate is carried out by phosphotriose isomerase.
• Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is converted to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate by glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. 
• In this stage, \(NA{D^ + }\) is converted to \(NAD{H^ + }\) and \({H^ + }\), which adds a phosphate group to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. With the creation of ATP, the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase converts 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate into 3-phosphoglycerate.
• Phosphoglycerate mutase converts 3-phosphoglycerate into 2-phosphoglycerate, and these two substances are isomers. 
• Enolase transforms 2-phosphoglycerate into the highly energetic molecule phosphoenolpyruvate once water is removed. 
• In the presence of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenol pyruvate is transformed into pyruvate along with the creation of ATP.       
•  

Generation of ATP: Two pyruvates, two NADH, and two ATP molecules are the final products of glycolysis. Due to the conversion of glucose into two pyruvates, 8 ATP molecules are produced.

Krebs Cycle

Acetyl CoA is converted into carbon dioxide and water by some chemical processes called Krebs cycle.

• Pyruvate is converted to acetyl CoA through oxidative decarboxylation by pyruvate dehydrogenase. 
• The elimination of carboxylate groups to create carbon dioxide is known as oxidative decarboxylation. Acetyl CoA and oxaloacetate are condensed by citrate synthase. 
• Aconitase converts citrate into isocitrate.
• Isocitrate dehydrogenase uses oxidative decarboxylation to change the isocitrate to oxalosuccinate, which is then transformed into -ketoglutarate. 
• By removing the carboxylate group from ketoglutarate and generating carbon dioxide, the enzyme ketoglutarate dehydrogenase transforms ketoglutarate to succinyl CoA. 
• Succinate thiokinase causes succinyl CoA to be converted to succinate. A phosphorylated group is added to GDP to create GTP, which is then converted into ATP by a protein called nucleoside diphosphate kinase. 
• By catalysing the conversion of succinate to fumarate and producing \(FAD{H_2}\), succinate dehydrogenase.
• By including water, fumarase catalyses the conversion of fumarate to malate.
• Malate dehydrogenase converts malate to oxaloacetate and generates NADH in the process. 
• The cycle is maintained by mixing the oxaloacetate with more acetyl CoA molecules.
• 

Generation of ATP: In the Krebs cycle, 12 ATP is produced as a result of the production of 2 \(C{O_2}\), 3 NADH, and 1\(FAD{H_2}\).

Electron Transport Chain or Terminal Oxidation or Oxidative Phosphorylation

The proton gradient created by the electron transport chain (ETC), a chain of proteins that transports electrons through the mitochondrial membrane, powers ATP generation. A series of ETC enzyme complexes: 

• NADH-ubiquinone reductase – Complex I
• Succinate CoQ reductase – Complex II
• Ubiquinone-cytochrome c oxidoreductase – Complex III
• Cytochrome oxidase – Complex IV 
• ATP synthase – Complex V 

Through electron carriers such as flavoproteins, cytochromes, coenzyme Q, nicotinamide nucleotides, and iron-sulfur proteins, these catalyze the transport of electrons.

Since energy is lost during the passage of electrons through ETC, the ATP synthase complex uses the energy to produce ATP from ADP, a procedure known as oxidative phosphorylation. 32 ATP molecules are generated during oxidative phosphorylation and ETC.

Differences between Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle

Glycolysis	Krebs cycle
It involves both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.	It involves only aerobic respiration.
The substrate substance is glucose.	The substrate material is acetylAcetyl CoA.
Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm.	The KrebsKrebs cycle takes place in the mitochondria.
It consumes two molecules of ATP.	It does not consume ATP.
Carbon dioxide is released in glycolysis.	Carbon dioxide is not released in the Krebs cycle.
It is a linear enzymatic reaction.	It is a non-linear pathway.
It occurs in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.	It occurs in eukaryotes.

Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Summary 

All plant and animal cells produce energy through a process called cellular respiration. Due to the conversion of glucose into two pyruvates, 8 ATP molecules are produced in glycolysis. In the Krebs cycle, 12 ATP is produced as a result of the production of 2 \(C{O_2}\), 3 NADH, and 1 \(FAD{H_2}\). 32 ATP molecules are generated during oxidative phosphorylation and ETC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How do electron carriers function?,
Ans. The metabolite is present at one end and oxygen is at the other end, therefore the electrons are carried by a series of proteins.

2. What are the processes in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate that require energy?
Ans. By using enzymes in intermediary processes, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate are produced from glucose. These processes call for energy.

3. What is oxidative phosphorylation?
Ans. Oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place in the mitochondria, is the addition of the phosphate group through reactions that use the energy produced when ATP is made from ADP.

4. What is the importance of cellular respiration in living organisms?
Ans. Energy is released during cellular respiration, which activates a number of bodily processes. Therefore, ensuring the survival of living things is important.

Introduction

All science and technology are built on measurements. Every measurement is made by calculating an instrument which yields some ambiguity or doubt. This ambiguity is referred to as an error.  This measurement flaw can be described in two ways: 

1. Precision

Every measurement is dependent on the precision of the measuring tool and the skill of the person performing it. We won’t get the same result if we repeat a specific measurement because each result is susceptible to some experimental difficulty or inaccuracy. 

2. Accuracy

When getting measurements, it is critical to believe these measurements. Both values indicate the degree to which a measurement is close to a known or acceptable value.

Define Accuracy

It is defined as the ability to relate a physical quantity’s true value to a measurement. When these difficulties or inaccuracies are reduced, the measurement becomes more precise.

Define Precision

Precision is defined by the smallest count of measurement equipment. Precision is greatest when the count is the smallest. Precision is the amount of information conveyed in terms of its digits; it indicates the proximity of two or more measurements to one another. 

What are the differences between Accuracy and Precision?

Accuracy	Precision
The near value of a measurement to the true value of a physical quantity is defined as accuracy.	Precision is defined as the slightest count of the measuring instrument. Or closeness to the actual readings of the same quantity.
Accuracy can only be dependent on a single factor or quantity.	Whereas, the precision can be altered or dependent on multiple factors.
Accuracy is expressed in the terms of the errors.	The precision is expressed in the terms of the deviation.
The determination of accuracy is dependent on a single measurement.	The determination of precision is dependent on multiple measurements.
Accuracy is dependent on precision. When results are accurate, they are also precise.	There is no dependence on accuracy. The results can be precise without being accurate. This shows no dependence of accuracy on precision.

Summary

When experts consider error, they always think about accuracy and precision. It is defined as the ability to relate measurement to the true value of a physical quantity. Precision is defined as the measuring instrument’s smallest count. It is clear from the preceding explanation that the best scientific outcomes are only likely if they are both accurate and precise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. According to one chocolate company, each bag of chocolate weighs 31.8 g. Jayant weighs two bags and discovers that they weigh 31.9 g and 32.3 g, respectively. How would Jayant describe the precision and accuracy of the first bag he measured?

Ans. The first bag’s claimed mass is correct. This is due to the fact that the brand specifies that each bag should contain 31.8 g, and the first bag did contain 31.8 gm. The claim for the first bag is not precise because the results are not identical.

2. How to determine Accuracy and Precision?

Ans. The accuracy of an experiment is calculated by the mean value of multiple measurements.

The precision of a set of measurements can be calculated by the standard deviation.

3. What is the relationship between accuracy, precision, and error?

Ans. The ability to relate the true value of a physical quantity to a measurement is defined as accuracy. When these difficulties or inaccuracies are reduced, the measurement becomes more precise. Precision is the ease with which a measurement can be replicated. Precision is defined by the measurement equipment’s smallest count. Precision is greatest when the count is the smallest. The precision of a set of values obtained by repeatedly measuring a quantity is defined as the closeness of the set of values obtained. As a result, more measurements will result in better precision, which will result in a smaller error, which will result in an improvement in accuracy.

Introduction

Chemical elements are the fundamental building blocks of chemistry, and everything around us is made up of elements. The periodic table is a tabular display of elements found in chemistry that are arranged by atomic number. A periodic table is an important tool for chemists, material scientists, and nanotechnologists because it provides so much information about the elements that it is easy to predict the physical and chemical properties of the elements. The periodic table demonstrates a fundamental but critical principle that the atomic number is responsible for chemical properties.

The periodic table contains how many elements?

The periodic table contains 118 elements organized in 7 rows and 18 columns. The rows (from left to right) are called ‘periods,’ and the columns (from top to bottom) are called ‘groups.’ All chemical elements have different physical and chemical properties, which change as you move in the periodic table. The arrangement is made so that the elements in the same column have similar properties. Surprisingly, only 94 of these 118 elements exist naturally.

118 Elements Name and Symbols and Atomic Numbers in Chemistry

Name of the Element	Symbol	Atomic Number
Hydrogen	H	1
Helium	He	2
Lithium	Li	3
Beryllium	Be	4
Boron	B	5
Carbon	C	6
Nitrogen	N	7
Oxygen	O	8
Fluorine	F	9
Neon	Ne	10
Sodium	Na	11
Magnesium	Mg	12
Aluminium	Al	13
Silicon	Si	14
Phosphorus	P	15
Sulphur	S	16
Chlorine	Cl	17
Argon	Ar	18
Potassium	K	19
Calcium	Ca	20
Scandium	Sc	21
Titanium	Ti	22
Vanadium	V	23
Chromium	Cr	24
Manganese	Mn	25
Iron	Fe	26
Cobalt	Co	27
Nickel	Ni	28
Copper	Cu	29
Zinc	Zn	30
Gallium	Ga	31
Germanium	Ge	32
Arsenic	As	33
Selenium	Se	34
Bromine	Br	35
Krypton	Kr	36
Rubidium	Rb	37
Strontium	Sr	38
Yttrium	Y	39
Zirconium	Zr	40
Niobium	Nb	41
Molybdenum	Mo	42
Technetium	Tc	43
Ruthenium	Ru	44
Rhodium	Rh	45
Palladium	Pd	46
Silver	Ag	47
Cadmium	Cd	48
Indium	In	49
Tin	Sn	50
Antimony	Sb	51
Tellurium	Te	52
Iodine	I	53
Xenon	Xe	54
Cesium	Cs	55
Barium	Ba	56
Lanthanum	La	57
Cerium	Ce	58
Praseodymium	Pr	59
Neodymium	Nd	60
Promethium	Pm	61
Samarium	Sm	62
Europium	Eu	63
Gadolinium	Gd	64
Terbium	Tb	65
Dysprosium	Dy	66
Holmium	Ho	67
Erbium	Er	68
Thulium	Tm	69
Ytterbium	Yb	70
Lutetium	Lu	71
Hafnium	Hf	72
Tantalum	Ta	73
Tungsten	W	74
Rhenium	Re	75
Osmium	Os	76
Iridium	Ir	77
Platinum	Pt	78
Gold	Au	79
Mercury	Hg	80
Thallium	Tl	81
Lead	Pb	82
Bismuth	Bi	83
Polonium	Po	84
Astatine	At	85
Radon	Rn	86
Francium	Fr	87
Radium	Ra	88
Actinium	Ac	89
Thorium	Th	90
Protactinium	Pa	91
Uranium	U	92
Neptunium	Np	93
Plutonium	Pu	94
Americium	Am	95
Curium	Cm	96
Berkelium	Bk	97
Californium	Cf	98
Einsteinium	Es	99
Fermium	Fm	100
Mendelevium	Md	101
Nobelium	No	102
Lawrencium	Lr	103
Rutherfordium	Rf	104
Dubnium	Db	105
Seaborgium	Sg	106
Bohrium	Bh	107
Hassium	Hs	108
Meitnerium	Mt	109
Darmstadtium	Ds	110
Roentgenium	Rg	111
Copernicium	Cn	112
Nihonium	Nh	113
Flerovium	Fl	114
Moscovium	Mc	115
Livermorium	Lv	116
Tennessine	Ts	117
Oganesson	Og	118

The characteristics of the Periodic table

1. Electronegativity

2. Ionization Energy

3. Electron Affinity

4. Atomic Radius

Summary

To date, mankind has discovered 118 elements. Only 94 of these occur naturally. These elements are represented in the periodic table, which has seven rows and eighteen columns. Columns represent groups, and rows represent periods. All elements are members of similar groups with similar chemical properties. The chemical properties of elements are determined by their atomic number. The number of protons in the atom determines the atomic number. This number also indicates the number of electrons in the atom. The chemical properties of an element are determined by the electrons in the valence cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do elements in the same group share physical and chemical properties?

Ans. The physical and chemical properties of elements depend on the number of valence electrons. Elements present in the same group have the same number of valence electrons. Therefore, elements present in the same group have similar physical and chemical properties.

2. Why are noble gases also called inert gases?

Ans. Noble gases are also known as inert gases because their electron configuration is the most stable. Because the valence shells are completely filled, they cannot lose or gain electrons.

3. Why ionization energy is always positive?

Ans. Electrons in an atom are bounded by forces of attraction from the nucleus. And we know the electron will be attracted to the nucleus due to the charge difference. This means the energy that is provided to take out an electron from its shell. This is why the ionization energy is always positive.

Introduction

The most important class of compounds in chemistry are acids and bases. Acids and bases are essential to practically every natural system, including human survival and the functioning of rocks and oceans. You must have come across acid and bases when you tasted lemon or washed your hands with soaps. Acids are sour and can be dangerously corrosive; bases are slippery and can be corrosive as well. In science, compounds are typically categorized as bases, acids, or neutral. The pH scale is used to determine how strong an acid or base is.

Acids

1. Acids release hydrogen ions or a proton when combined with water.

2. They exhibit a pH below 7 and turn blue litmus red. 

3. Arrhenius state that “those substances which give hydrogen ions \({H^ + }\) in aqueous solution” are known acids.

\[HA{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O{\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}{A^ – } + {\rm{ }}{H_3}{O^ + }\]

4. The common acids which we can use in the laboratory are—Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Nitric acid (\(HN{O_3}\)) and Sulphuric acid (\({H_2}S{O_4}\)).

Uses of Acids

Acid	Uses
Sulphuric Acid, H2SO4	Used as solvent
Formic Acids, HCOOH	Used for tanning and dyeing
Hydrochloric Acid, HCl	Used as Cleaner
Benzoic Acid, C6H5COOH	Used as food preservatives and in dyeing
Nitric Acid, HNO3	Used in Fertilizer, dyes, and plastics

Bases

1. Bases are substances that release hydroxyl ions when combined with water to form an aqueous solution. 

2. They exhibit a pH level above 7 and turn red litmus to blue. 

3. A base has a basic group that separates in an aqueous media or a dissociable hydroxyl group (Arrhenius base). 

4. Metal hydroxides are mostly basic and rapidly produce hydroxyl ions in an aqueous solution. The majority of basic hydroxides are formed by alkali metals and a few alkaline earth metals.

\[BOH\left( {aq} \right){\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}{B^ + }\left( {aq} \right){\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}O{H^ – }\left( {aq} \right)\;\]

5. Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide are some examples of bases. 

Uses of Bases

Bases	Uses
Potassium Hydroxide, KOH	Soaps and Batteries
Ammonia NH3	Fertilizer
Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2	Mortar and Plaster
Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2	Detergent
Sodium Carbonate Na2CO3	Detergent

Properties of Acids and Bases

Properties	Acid	Base
Taste	Sour	Bitter
pH value	less than 7	greater than 7
Electric conductivity	Good conductor	Good conductor
Test with litmus paper	Turn red litmus to blue.	Turns blue litmus to red.
Touch	–	Slippery

The similarity between an acid and a base

1. They both react with litmus.

2. They both are compounds

3. Likewise, they both release ions in their solution

4. Forms salt and water when combined. For example, when Ammonium hydroxide reacts with Hydrochloric acid, it gives Ammonium Chloride. 

\[N{H_4}OH{\rm{ }}\left( {aq} \right)\;{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}HCl\left( {aq} \right)\;\, \to {\rm{ }}N{H_4}Cl{\rm{ }}\left( s \right){\rm{ }} + {H_2}O{\rm{ }}\left( l \right)\]

Summary

Acidic substances are usually identified by their sour taste. An acid is a molecule which can donate an \({H^ + }\) ion and can remain energetically favourable after a loss of \({H^ + }\). Acids are known to turn blue litmus red.

Bases, on the other hand, are characterized by a bitter taste and a slippery texture. A base that can be dissolved in water is referred to as an alkali. When these substances chemically react with acids, they yield salts. Bases are known to turn red litmus blue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which acid or base, when dissolved in water, releases hydroxyl ions?

Ans. Bases are chemicals that dissolve in water to produce hydroxyl ions, or \(O{H^ – }\), and are also referred to as alkalis.

2. What kind of salt is produced when a strong acid reacts with a weak base?

Ans. The salts are known as acidic salts because they are formed when strong acids and weak bases react. Every salt has a pH that is under 7. Similar to this, many salts’ aqueous solutions have a pH of 7 and are naturally neutral.

3. Which has a sour taste between acid and base?

Ans. Bases have a bitter taste, while acids have a sour taste. Acid always has a pH value lower than 7, which causes it to turn blue litmus paper red.

Introduction

We can see the effects of oxidation and reduction reactions in daily life. This has a variety of consequences. Some of its instances, such as burning fuels, digestion of food in our bodies, and so on, are boons to humanity and highly beneficial to the continuation of life.

Do you know, in human bodies, respiration is the oxidation reaction? During this process, the food is oxidized and produces energy. On the other hand, some of its effects are highly harmful, such as air pollution from burning fuels, food rancidification, metal corrosion, etc.

Oxidation Reaction Examples

In many ways, oxidation reactions have an impact on our daily lives. While some of them are advantageous, others have unfavourable effects. The following are some typical oxidation reaction examples:

• In human bodies, respiration triggers an oxidation reaction. During respiration, food is oxidized to produce energy.
• Metal corrosion is a type of oxidation reaction.
• Fried foods acquire a bad flavour and a bad odour after being exposed to air for a long time (rancidity).
• Any substance that burns or is consumed undergoes an oxidation reaction, which always results in the production of energy. 
• Energy is produced by the combustion of various fuels in a variety of domestic and industrial processes.

Oxidation Reaction’s Effects on Daily Life

Now let us discuss oxidation reactions in everyday life. Have you ever noticed how oxidation processes affect your daily life? Maybe you have, but you’re not aware that they involve an oxidation process.  Rusting is an example of an oxidation reaction that you may be familiar with:

Rusting

A type of metal corrosion is rusting. When air and moisture in the surrounding environment interact with a metal, corrosion results. It is a result of the metal oxidizing. Because iron oxidizes in the presence of air and water to produce hydrated iron oxide, it rusts (\(F{e_2}{O_3}.x{H_2}O\)). The metal surface develops a reddish-brown layer of iron oxide.

\[4Fe{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}3{O_2}\, + {\rm{ }}2x{H_2}O \to F{e_2}{O_3}.x{H_2}O{\rm{ }}\left( {Rust} \right)\]

Long-term corrosion or rusting harms metal-bodied constructions. Rust develops on car bodies, bridges, railings made of iron, and ships. The metal can be kept from corroding by having paint or enamel applied to its surface.

Rancidity

The rotting of food is another typical consequence of oxidation in daily life. When foods with fats or oils are left out in the air for a long time, they begin to rancid. This is caused by the food’s fatty acids slowly oxidizing in the air, which leaves the food tasting and smelling unpleasant. The phenomenon known as “rancidity” occurs when food items are exposed to the air and undergo colour, texture, taste, and odour changes due to atmospheric oxidation.

Combustion

One of the most significant oxidation reactions is combustion. Since energy is a by-product of all combustion reactions, these processes are known as exothermic reactions because they emit heat energy.

• Energy is a necessity for our society. Any fuel that burns in the presence of air, including kerosene, petroleum, coal, wood, and charcoal, produces heat. Methane in natural gas is burned during combustion, releasing carbon dioxide and water when there is too much oxygen.
• Thermal power plants burn coal to create electricity, while natural gas is used in kitchens. We can observe how important redox reactions are to maintaining our quality of life in this way. Fuel combustion generates thermal energy, which not only powers our economy but also keeps us warm and alive. 

\[C{H_4}\, + \,2{O_2} \to C{O_2} + {\rm{ }}2{H_2}O\]

• Animals need the heat energy that they produced during food digestion. The human body also acts as a machine that burns and oxidizes all the food that is given to it to produce energy. The body gets its energy from sugar or carbohydrates like glucose (C6H12O6), fructose, and starch. When sugar and oxygen are burned, carbon dioxide, water, and heat are produced.

\[{C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + {\rm{ }}6{O_2} \to {\rm{ }}6C{O_2} + {\rm{ }}6{H_2}O{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}energy\]

 The harmful effect of combustion

Despite the many benefits of combustion, its negative impact on our life needs to be properly addressed. Fossil fuel combustion results in hazardous vapours that contain dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and sulphur trioxide. When released into the atmosphere, fumes and smoke from furnaces and car exhaust severely pollute the air. It degrades our health and does direct harm to our bodies.

Summary

In addition to harming food, oxidation also harms metals. Corrosion is the term used to describe the harmful effect of oxidation on metals, and rancidity is used to describe it on food. Thus, the corrosion of metals and the rancidity of food are two common outcomes of oxidation reactions that are seen in daily life. Aerial oxidation is another name for the oxidation that oxygen in the air causes. The prevention of rancidity, corrosion, and their effects on daily life were all covered in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What happens when something oxidizes?

Ans. The deterioration in the quality of food products, including off flavours and odours, is caused by oxidation, a chain reaction that takes place in the presence of oxygen. It depends on how the product is made, how it is packaged, how it is stored, and what ingredients are used.

2. What distinguishes burning from combustion?

Ans. Combustion is just an oxidation reaction that releases energy; burning is a type of combustion that is followed by the evolution of gas and is distinguished by flame. Burning is combustion that results in a fire, but not all combustions result in a flame.

3. How is oxygen transported to the cell, so it can keep breathing?

Ans. Humans breathe in oxygen, which travels via many alveoli in the lung (tiny air sacs). These air sacs transfer oxygen into the blood, which carries it to the cells. The oxygen from the lungs is transferred to the blood, where it connects with the red blood cell’s haemoglobin and travels to all the cells where it is discharged. The lungs receive the waste carbon dioxide from the cells and transfer it there for expiration.

Introduction

Something that has mass, takes up space, and can be sensed by our five senses is said to be matter. We can put it simply by saying that the things we see and feel around us matter. There are different states of matter. Because of the characteristics of the constituent particles and how they interact, each of these forms of matter has a unique feature. Atoms and molecules make up these particles. The basic elements of matter, atoms, are capable of independent existence. The neutron, proton, and electron subatomic particles that make up each atom determine the characteristics of the atoms.

Matter

The matter is a combination of two or more pure elements. The classification of the material into solids, liquids, and gases is based on its physical characteristics. Its classification into elements, compounds, and mixtures is based on its chemical characteristics. Our surroundings can be either geographical or man-made. Geographical surroundings are formed by nature and affect the social and economic climate, while man-made environments are those that are man-made.

All living and non-living things are called matter because they contain mass and take up space, all forms of life, including gases like oxygen and hydrogen, are referred to as matter. The DNA in our cells, the ground we are standing on, electrons revolving around a nucleus, or any other object is matter.

Types of Matter

The matter is divided into the three categories below based on its physical nature:

• Solids: Particles in solids are so closely packed and held in place by extremely strong intermolecular interactions that only vibratory motion is possible. They have a distinct volume and shape. Wood, iron, etc. are some examples.
• Liquids: Compared to solids, liquids have more freedom of movement due to the weak intermolecular interactions that allow for particle movement. Despite taking on the shape of the container they are poured into, they have specific volumes. Examples include milk, water, etc.
• Gases: These molecules move very freely and have a weak intermolecular interaction. The distance between them is also very large. They fill the container in which they are placed because they lack a set shape and a volume. Examples include hydrogen and methane.

Applying pressure and changing the temperature can modify the nature of the three matter states mentioned above. There are particles in a matter that have kinetic energy; this energy rises with temperature. In solids, the distance between particles and kinetic energy is the smallest, whereas it is greatest in gases. The three types of matter that make up our environment are interchangeable through temperature changes. For instance, changing the temperature will cause ice to turn into water and back again.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons make up the primary units of matter, known as atoms. Protons have a positive charge, whereas electrons have a negative charge, making neutrons neutral particles with no charge. The nucleus of an atom is made up of neutrons and protons, and electrons revolve around this nucleus in their respective orbitals. The quantity and configurations of these subatomic particles greatly influence the stability and characteristics of the atom.

Summary

The Panch Tatva, or air, earth, fire, sky, and water, was the system used by our ancient Indian thinkers to categorize matter. There are billions of atoms in every gram of matter. The matter is everything that has mass and takes up space. Matter is composed of particles that are always moving and have different properties in each of the three states of matter. The particles of matter are very tiny and have space between them.  The three types of matter that make up our environment are interchangeable through temperature changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What features do matter particles have?

Ans: The characteristics of matter particles are given below:

a) The intermolecular space that particles have is one of their distinguishing characteristics.

b) Intermolecular force exists among particles.

c) Matter is made up of moving particles.

2. In comparison to solids, liquids typically have a lower density. You must have seen that ice floats on water, though. Why?

Ans: Although ice is a solid, due to its structure, it has a lesser density than water. Ice floats on water because its molecules form a cage-like structure with lots of empty spaces.

3. How can water stored in a matka (earthen pot) cool throughout the summer?

Ans: Since the clay pot has many pores and is porous, the water seeps out of them and evaporates on the pot’s surface, which has a cooling effect. This chills the pot, which in turn causes the water inside to cool.

Introduction

The air is a fundamental element of planet Earth that sustains life. The broad term “air” is used to describe the mixture of gases that makes up the earth’s atmosphere. It is a clear gas required for breathing and performing regular cellular activities. Air is a very essential and makes up the atmosphere of the earth.

It has the following other applications-

• All life depends on air to thrive, including humans, plants, animals, and other species.
• The air is necessary for the water cycle to take place.
• It facilitates combustion and breathing.
• It keeps the temperature constant.
• Air assists in the process of pollination in wind-pollinated plants.

Components of Air

The air around is composed of various components given below-

• Oxygen makes up around 21% of the air.
• The highest amount of gas present in the air is Nitrogen, which makes up 78% of the total air.
• Argon is 0.9% of the total air.
• Carbon dioxide is the lowest around 0.04% of the air.
• There are still other gases which are present in very lower concentrations eg. water vapour.
• Microscopic airborne particles known as “aerosols”  are also present in the air and are present in minute quantities.
• These aerosols include bacteria, suspended dust, pollen, and spores.

Properties of Air

• Air is colourless and odourless and cannot be seen, heard or touched.
• It is a mixture of many gases and they occupy space and matter.
• Air exerts pressure. Near the surface, the air pressure is more and at higher altitudes the air pressure is low.
• When heated the air expands and when cooled the air compresses.

Uses of Air

Respiration

• Respiration is the process where gaseous exchange occurs and oxygen is inhaled and carbon dioxide is exhaled.
• The two main gases involved in respiration are carbon dioxide and oxygen.
• Plants and animals require oxygen to convert the chemical energy found in food into energy that can be used for various metabolic processes.
• This energy is used in all actions of growth, development, locomotion and reproduction.
• Oxygen is created through the process of photosynthesis, which occurs when plants use carbon dioxide to make chemical energy while utilizing light energy.
  

Combustion

• A fuel oxidises when it is burned and produces lots of energy.
• This is an exothermic reaction wherein light and heat are generated.
• Any carbon-containing substance that is burned in the presence of oxygen produces carbon dioxide, water vapour, heat, and light energy.
• Colourful flames are created when methane, an essential element of combustion, combines with air. These colourful flames are an indicator of the combustion reaction.
• Explosive burning might occur if there is too much oxygen present hence to prevent this nitrogen gas is present in the atmosphere.
• Nitrogen does not contribute to combustion and inhibits too much oxygen from causing higher reactivity. Therefore, these two components work together to make sure that fuel energy is used in a controlled way.
• The heat that is generated during the process of combustion is used to cook, run our vehicles, generate electricity etc.

Regulation of temperature

• The earth’s surface is kept at a constant temperature by air.
• The density of hot air is less and hence it rises above the ground. This leads to the formation of a low-pressure area which is quickly filled by cool air.
• This phenomenon leads to the formation of winds.
• As the temperature of the air rises the air moves up draws in cooler air from the surroundings, warms it up, and the cycle repeats.
• When hot air rises, it radiates heat into space before sinking back to earth.
• Convection is the process of moving heat, and this is referred to as temperature regulation.
• Heat is transferred in this way from hotter to colder places and thus the temperature of the earth is regulated.
• The atmosphere and air also help to cool the earth and protect it from the sun’s excessive UV rays.

Summary

Air surrounding the earth makes up its atmosphere. The air is a mixture of gases and is essential to many living things. Air consists of 78% of nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.04% carbon dioxide, and there are traces of other gases as well. The thick layer of air supports vital life-supporting activities. Contrarily, air is a substance and it has mass, can be compressed, and takes up space. Air performs the following major processes—breathing, combustion, and regulating the earth’s temperature.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Give the function of the ozone layer
Ans: The ozone layer, which is found in the stratosphere of the earth and absorbs the majority of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, works as a screen to protect the planet from these rays.

2. What does acid rain mean?
Ans: Polluted air consists of oxides of nitrates and sulphates. These oxides react with water vapour and other air components to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When there is rainfall both of these acids fall on earth which is termed acid rain. This acid rain is not only harmful to people but also affects various other living organisms.

3. What are the ill effects of air pollution?
Ans: Air pollution is a very severe problem that aggravates pre-existing respiratory and cardiac problems and causes several pollution-related ailments. Common diseases caused due by air pollution are lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.

Introduction

In the farming and agricultural sectors, the tools used to streamline the process are referred to as agricultural implements. To create a productive and helpful environment, agricultural operations today require a different range of tools, such as drills, diggers, furrows, sickles, and so on. Without the use of the implements that are supposed to finish these processes, the current situation in agriculture demonstrates development. In this tutorial, we’ll discuss agricultural equipment and how they affect the farming and agricultural industries.

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture is the activity of growing crops and rearing animals that supports human sedentary behavior and the growth of sustenance. It may be involved in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. For most rural communities, it serves as their primary source of income. In metropolitan regions, individuals are provided with vegetables and grains for food.

Significance of Agriculture

• The majority of the world’s food supply comes from agriculture, which also guarantees the population’s access to food and nourishment. 
• Since agriculture contributes over 20% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), it is regarded as the main source of income for the nation. 
• A large number of people have employment opportunities in agriculture. 
• It plays a significant part in the export of significant goods on a global scale and in balancing a nation’s crucial expenditures while preserving its foreign currency. 
• Additionally, it generates fibers, raw materials, and biofuels.
• Utilizing the production and selling of agricultural goods eliminates poverty in rural regions. 
• Selling the by-products of raising animals brings considerable profit for farmers.

What are Agricultural Implements?

Agriculture implements and farming equipment are tools or pieces of machinery used to complete tasks quickly. These are used in agriculture to lessen physical labor and increase crop output. Early farmers developed their own labor and time-intensive tools, which were difficult to use. After modernization, cutting-edge processes and tools have taken the place of outdated ones.

To make work easier, a variety of agricultural implements are used in agriculture. The following is a list of important agricultural tools: 

• Planting tools 
• Harvesting equipment
• Irrigation equipment
• Tools for cultivating soil

Types of Agricultural Implements

Farmers employ a variety of agricultural instruments to increase crop yield. It includes the following:

Soil cultivation implements

• The cultivation of the soil is a crucial stage because it enables crop roots to enter the soil and absorb nutrients and water. 
• Soil preparation is done with basic equipment like a hoe, a plow, and cultivators. 
• The land is plowed and made ready for cultivation with the use of spike, drag, and disc harrows.

Irrigation machines

It is made up of a pump that draws water from the bottom and a pivot irrigation system that supplies the crops with the right amount of water.

Planting machines

• The plant is protected from animals and birds attack by the use of a seed drill, which provides a deep and proper area for planting. 
• It enables the plants to receive enough sunlight, nutrients, and water. 
• After crop cultivation, a large area is seeded using tools including air seeders, broadcast seeders, transplanting implements, and more.

Harvesting implements

• Cutting fully developed and ripe crops is the procedure of harvesting. 
• Crops are harvested using harvesting equipment like pickers, trailers, and diggers.

Division of Crops

The agricultural process develops food grains for human consumption and utilizes their raw materials for industrial use. Crops are cultivated according to the type of soil and weather conditions. There are three major divisions of crops. 

Kharif crop

• In the monsoon season, the seedlings of crops begin to grow and are harvested in the autumn.
• A warm climate and excess water are necessary for its growth.

Rabi crop

• In humid conditions, seeds germinate and develop well, and crops grow well. 

Zaid crop

• During the period between Kharif and Rabi, the Zaid crop develops.
• For blooming flowers, warm, dry weather is required for crop growth.

Type of crop	Season	Examples
Kharif crop	September to October	Millets. maize, rice, soybean, cotton
Rabi crop	October to December and April to May	Barley, oats, mustard, wheat, peas
Zaid crop	March to June	Watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, pulses

Categories of Crops

Depending on their use, crops can be classified into two types.

• Food crops: Food crops are mainly grown for human and animal consumption. There are several major food crops, such as vegetables, oilseeds such as sunflower, groundnut, sesame, and cereals like paddy, wheat, and fruits.
• Cash crops: Crops that are grown to generate income rather than for domestic consumption are called cash crops. Rubber, tea, coffee, jute, spices like mustard, chili, turmeric, garlic, coriander, and some medicinal crops are some of the most important cash crops.

Summary

Agriculture implements and farming equipment are tools or pieces of machinery used to complete tasks quickly. Farmers employ a variety of agricultural instruments to increase crop yield.  The agricultural process develops food grains for human consumption and utilizes their raw materials for industrial use. Depending on their use, crops can be classified into two types such as food crops and cash crops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does agriculture have such a big impact on a nation?
Ans. A nation’s economy is based on agriculture because it provides food, is a source of commercial products, creates employment, and eliminates poverty. More than half of the population solely depends on agriculture for a living.

2. Why are outdated agricultural equipment and practises replaced?
Ans. In addition to hand-made tools, traditional techniques are tedious and time-consuming. Therefore, advanced techniques and equipment are used to increase crop production quickly. 

3. What farming tools are used to get the soil ready for cultivation?
Ans. Disc harrows, drags, and hoes are agricultural implements used to plow the soil, allowing roots to penetrate the ground and absorb moisture and nutrients more easily.

4. What kinds of crops are grown during the monsoon and summer seasons?
Ans. Kharif crops are produced in the monsoon season of September and October. Zaid crops are produced in the summer season, from March to June. Rabi crops are also produced in the summer, from April to May.

5. What are the main tools used in agriculture?
Ans. Machines for planting, harvesting, irrigating, and cultivating the soil are the most important agricultural implements. The use of these is widespread in organic farming and commercial agriculture.