Soil, Rocks, And Minerals
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Susan is identifying a rock that has crystals and ribbon-like layers in it. She says it is a sedimentary rock. Is she correct by saying it is sedimentary? Why or why not?
- 2.
What are two ways farmers can plant crops to prevent erosion and/or keep the soil healthy? Explain each way.
- 3.
What does the parent rock tell us about the soil around it? Example, if a parent rock has mica in it, what does that let us know about the soil nearby?
- 4.
What is the difference between magma and humus?
- 5.
BONUS 3 points: How do crystals form?
- 6.
BONUS 3 points: How is magma different from lava?
- 7.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 1 on the board?
Explanation
The correct answer is metamorphic rock. This is because the question asks for the step of the rock cycle that is shown in number 1 on the board. Since metamorphic rock is mentioned in all four options, it can be inferred that number 1 on the board represents the metamorphic rock step of the rock cycle.Rate this question:
- 8.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 2 on the board?
Explanation
Number 2 on the board represents the step of the rock cycle known as weathering and erosion. Weathering refers to the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through the action of weather conditions such as temperature changes, wind, and water. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the transportation and movement of these weathered rock particles by natural forces like water, wind, or ice. Therefore, the correct answer is weathering and erosion.Rate this question:
- 9.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 3 on the board?
Explanation
The correct answer is "Sedimentary Rock". The question is asking about the step of the rock cycle shown in number 3 on the board. The term "sedimentary rock" refers to rocks that are formed from the accumulation and compression of sediment over time. This step in the rock cycle involves the deposition, burial, and lithification of sediments to form sedimentary rocks. Therefore, the answer "Sedimentary Rock" accurately identifies the step depicted in number 3 on the board.Rate this question:
- 10.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 4 on the board?
Explanation
Number 4 on the board represents the step of the rock cycle known as cooling. Cooling occurs when molten rock, or magma, cools and solidifies, forming igneous rocks. This process can happen either beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rocks, or on the Earth's surface, resulting in extrusive igneous rocks. The repetition of the word "cooling" in the answer reinforces the idea that this step involves the cooling of molten rock.Rate this question:
- 11.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 5 on the board?
Explanation
In the rock cycle, number 5 on the board represents the step where molten rock, known as magma, is formed. Magma is created when solid rock, either through melting or intense heat and pressure, becomes a liquid. This molten rock can then cool and solidify to form igneous rocks, which are the result of the magma's solidification. Therefore, the correct answer is magma.Rate this question:
- 12.
What step of the rock cycle is shown in number 6 on the board?
Explanation
The step of the rock cycle shown in number 6 on the board is melting. Melting occurs when heat causes a rock to change from a solid to a liquid state. This process usually happens deep within the Earth's mantle or during volcanic activity. The melted rock, or magma, can then cool and solidify to form igneous rocks, which can eventually undergo further changes in the rock cycle.Rate this question:
- 13.
Grains of sand and other sediment are eroded from hills and mountains and wash down a river to the ocean. The sediment forms thick layers on the ocean floor and are compacted and cemented together to form ______________________________________.
Explanation
The process described in the question is erosion and deposition of sediment in a river and then in the ocean. Over time, the sediment layers on the ocean floor become compacted and cemented together. This process leads to the formation of sedimentary rock. The correct answer options all refer to this process and its end result, which is sedimentary rock.Rate this question:
- 14.
The solid, outer layer of the Earth is called the ____________________________.
Explanation
The solid, outer layer of the Earth is called the lithosphere.Rate this question:
- 15.
When large pieces of the Earth’s crust collide, some of the rock is forced downward. Through intense heat and pressure the rock changes into a ________________________________.
Explanation
When large pieces of the Earth's crust collide, the intense heat and pressure cause the rock to undergo metamorphism, resulting in the formation of metamorphic rock. This process involves the transformation of existing rock types into new ones through recrystallization and changes in mineral composition. Metamorphic rocks can be formed from sedimentary, igneous, or even other metamorphic rocks, and they often exhibit new textures and structures due to the forces acting upon them during the collision of tectonic plates.Rate this question:
- 16.
___________________ is created when a rock partly or completely melts.
Explanation
When a rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressures, it can partially or fully melt, resulting in the formation of magma. Magma is a molten mixture of various substances, including rocks, minerals, gases, and liquids, that is found beneath the Earth's surface. It is typically generated in the Earth's mantle or crust through processes such as heat transfer, decompression melting, or addition of volatiles. Magma can eventually rise to the surface through volcanic activity, where it may erupt as lava or cool and solidify to form igneous rocks.Rate this question:
- 17.
Melting rock cools and solidifies to form _________________________________.
Explanation
When rock melts, it undergoes the process of cooling and solidification. This results in the formation of igneous rock, which is the correct answer. The terms "igneous" and "an igneous" also refer to the same process and outcome, further supporting the correct answer.Rate this question:
- 18.
Rock is
- A.
A loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and air
- B.
A solid that has a definite crystalline structure
- C.
A mixture of one or more minerals
Correct Answer
C. A mixture of one or more mineralsExplanation
The correct answer is "a mixture of one or more minerals". This is because rocks are composed of different minerals that are combined together. Each mineral has its own unique properties and characteristics, and when they come together, they form a rock. Rocks can have various compositions and can be made up of different combinations of minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Therefore, rocks can be considered as mixtures of minerals rather than a single solid structure or a loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and air.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A mineral is
- A.
A loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and air
- B.
A solid that has a definite crystalline structure
- C.
A mixture of one or more minerals
Correct Answer
B. A solid that has a definite crystalline structureExplanation
The correct answer is "a solid that has a definite crystalline structure." This answer is correct because a mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid that is composed of a specific chemical composition and has a regular internal arrangement of atoms, resulting in a definite crystalline structure. This distinguishes minerals from other substances such as rocks, which can be made up of a mixture of minerals.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Soil is
- A.
A loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and air
- B.
A solid that has a definite crystalline structure
- C.
A mixture of one or more minerals
Correct Answer
A. A loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and airExplanation
The correct answer is "a loose mixture of small fragments, organic material, water, and air". This is because soil is composed of various components, including small particles or fragments of rocks and minerals, organic matter such as decomposed plant and animal material, water, and air. These components give soil its physical and chemical properties, making it suitable for plant growth and providing a habitat for various organisms.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Luster is
- A.
A mineral breaks along a smooth, flat surface
- B.
The way a surface reflects light
- C.
Resistance to being scratched
Correct Answer
B. The way a surface reflects lightExplanation
The correct answer is "the way a surface reflects light." Luster refers to the appearance or quality of how a mineral surface reflects light. It can range from metallic, like the shine of a metal, to non-metallic, like the sheen of a pearl or the dullness of a rock. Luster is an important characteristic in identifying minerals as it helps determine their optical properties and can give clues about their composition and structure.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Streak is
- A.
A mineral breaks along a smooth, flat surface
- B.
The way a surface reflects light
- C.
The color of a mineral in powdered form
Correct Answer
C. The color of a mineral in powdered formExplanation
The streak of a mineral refers to the color of the mineral when it is powdered. This is different from the color of the mineral in its natural form. By rubbing the mineral against a hard surface, it leaves behind a streak of powdered mineral, which can be observed and used to identify the mineral. The streak color can sometimes be different from the color of the mineral itself, making it an important characteristic for mineral identification.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Cleavage is
- A.
A mineral breaks along a smooth, flat surface
- B.
The way a surface reflects light
- C.
Resistance to being scratched
Correct Answer
A. A mineral breaks along a smooth, flat surfaceExplanation
Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along smooth, flat surfaces. This characteristic is determined by the internal arrangement of atoms in the mineral's crystal structure. When a mineral exhibits cleavage, it means that it can easily be broken into flat pieces or sheets. The cleavage surfaces are usually parallel to planes of weak bonding between atoms or layers of atoms in the crystal lattice. This property is different from the way a surface reflects light (which is called luster) and resistance to being scratched (which is known as hardness).Rate this question:
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- 24.
Fracture is
- A.
Resistance to being scratched
- B.
The color of a mineral in powdered form
- C.
A mineral breaks unevenly along a curved or irregular surface
Correct Answer
C. A mineral breaks unevenly along a curved or irregular surfaceExplanation
The given answer correctly explains that fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks, specifically along a curved or irregular surface. This means that when a mineral fractures, it does not break in a clean, smooth manner like cleavage, but instead forms rough and uneven surfaces. This characteristic can be helpful in identifying minerals, as different minerals may exhibit different types of fracture patterns.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Hardness is
- A.
A mineral breaks unevenly along a curved or irregular surface
- B.
Resistance to being scratched
- C.
A mineral breaks along a smooth, flat surface
Correct Answer
B. Resistance to being scratchedExplanation
The given answer, "resistance to being scratched," is the correct explanation for hardness. Hardness refers to a mineral's ability to resist being scratched by another material. It is a measure of the mineral's strength and durability. A mineral with high hardness will not easily be scratched by materials with lower hardness, while a mineral with low hardness will be easily scratched. Therefore, resistance to being scratched is a key characteristic used to determine the hardness of a mineral.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What would the atoms look like in a crystal? Check all that are true.
- A.
Repeating pattern
- B.
Many different shapes
- C.
The same shape
Correct Answer(s)
A. Repeating pattern
C. The same shapeExplanation
In a crystal, the atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, meaning that the arrangement of atoms is repeated throughout the crystal structure. This can be visualized as a regular and orderly arrangement of atoms, forming a lattice structure. Additionally, the atoms in a crystal have the same shape, meaning that they are arranged in a consistent and uniform manner throughout the crystal lattice. This uniformity in shape allows for the formation of crystal faces and smooth surfaces.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Rocks can move through the rock cycle only once.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because rocks can go through the rock cycle multiple times. The rock cycle is a continuous process where rocks are constantly being formed, broken down, and reformed. Rocks can be weathered and eroded into sediment, which can then be compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks. These sedimentary rocks can be subjected to heat and pressure, transforming them into metamorphic rocks. And finally, these metamorphic rocks can melt and cool to form igneous rocks. This cycle can repeat over and over again, allowing rocks to go through the rock cycle multiple times.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 01, 2013Quiz Created by
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