Unit 3 Part 2 Study Session

Which of the following correctly identifies how the luster of minerals can be classified?

• Metallic and nonmetallic

• Hardness and color

• Pearly and iridescent

• Cleavage and fracture

Answer explanation

The luster of minerals is classified as metallic or nonmetallic, which describes how light interacts with the mineral's surface. Other options like hardness and color do not pertain to luster classification.

How are minerals different from rocks?

• A. Minerals are made of a single element whereas rocks are made of many elements.

• B. Minerals have a definite chemical composition whereas rocks can be a mixture of many different types of minerals.

• C. Rocks have a definite chemical composition whereas minerals can be a mixture of many different types of rocks.

• D. Minerals are many different colors whereas rocks are all one color.

Answer explanation

B is correct because minerals have a definite chemical composition, while rocks are composed of a mixture of different minerals, which can vary in type and amount.

How can you test a mineral for hardness?

• A. By dragging the sample along a plate and examining the powder left behind.

• B. By breaking the mineral and seeing how it chips.

• C. By looking at it under a microscope.

• D. By trying to scratch it with other objects and recording the objects that are able and unable to scratch it.

Answer explanation

The best way to test a mineral for hardness is by trying to scratch it with other objects. This method allows you to determine its hardness based on the Mohs scale, recording which objects can and cannot scratch the mineral.

Where do most minerals originate?

• A. Earth's surface

• B. Earth's atmosphere

• C. Beneath Earth's crust

• D. Beneath Earth's oceans

Answer explanation

Most minerals originate beneath Earth's crust, where high pressure and temperature conditions facilitate their formation. This makes option C the correct choice, as the other options do not represent the primary source of mineral formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

How are sediments formed?

• From cooled magma

• From weathered rocks and organic remains

• From heat and pressure

• From the remains of plants and animals millions of years ago

Answer explanation

Sediments are primarily formed from weathered rocks and organic remains. This process involves the breakdown of rocks and the accumulation of materials from living organisms, making this choice the most accurate.

Why do rocks on the Earth not all follow the same path through the rock cycle?

• The size of a rock determines its path through the rock cycle.

• The mineral composition of a rock determines its path through the rock cycle.

• Rocks exist in different places on the Earth, so they are subjected to different processes.

• All rocks do follow the same path through the rock cycle.

Answer explanation

Rocks do not all follow the same path through the rock cycle because they exist in different locations on Earth, exposing them to various geological processes such as weathering, erosion, and metamorphism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Soil is made of which of the following?

• Minerals and broken down rocks

• Water and air

• Decomposed plant and animal material

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Soil consists of minerals and broken down rocks, water, air, and decomposed plant and animal material. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above' as it encompasses all components that make up soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What are the three soil types listed from largest particle size to smallest?

• Clay, sand, silt

• Silt, clay, sand

• Sand, silt, clay

• Silt, Sand, clay

Answer explanation

The correct order of soil types from largest to smallest particle size is sand, silt, and then clay. Sand has the largest particles, followed by silt, and clay has the smallest particles.

What is humus formed from?

• Decomposed plant materials

• Sand, silt, and clay

• Water and air

• Lava or magma

Answer explanation

Humus is formed from decomposed plant materials, which enrich the soil with nutrients. The other options, such as sand, silt, clay, water, air, and lava or magma, do not contribute to the formation of humus.

Knowing the texture of a soil can show what?

• How easily water flows through it

• Its water holding capacity

• How well plants will grow in it

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Knowing the texture of soil reveals its drainage ability, water retention, and suitability for plant growth. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above' as all these factors are influenced by soil texture.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3