Rocks Comprehension

What is the process through which sediment turns into rock?

• Lithification

• Foliation

• Texture

• Erosion

Answer explanation

Lithification is the process through which sediment compacts and cements to form rock. It involves the accumulation of sediments, followed by compaction and mineral cementation, transforming loose particles into solid rock.

What is molten rock located within Earth called?

• Lava

• Magma

• Sediment

• Grain

Answer explanation

Molten rock located within Earth is called magma. Once it erupts onto the surface, it is referred to as lava. Sediment and grain are unrelated terms, making magma the correct answer.

What is a naturally occurring solid mixture composed of minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, or glass?

• Sediment

• Rock

• Magma

• Lava

Answer explanation

A naturally occurring solid mixture composed of minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, or glass is classified as rock. Sediment refers to loose particles, while magma and lava are molten materials.

What are rock or mineral fragments that are loose or suspended in water called?

• Grain

• Sediment

• Foliation

• Texture

Answer explanation

Rock or mineral fragments that are loose or suspended in water are called sediment. This term specifically refers to particles that can be transported by water, distinguishing it from other terms like grain or texture.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What term describes the grain size and arrangement of grains in a rock?

• Lithification

• Foliation

• Texture

• Grain

Answer explanation

The term 'Texture' refers to the grain size and arrangement of grains in a rock, distinguishing it from other processes like lithification and foliation, which relate to rock formation and layering.

Which of the following is NOT a type of rock?

• Magma

• Sediment

• Lava

• Foliation

Answer explanation

Foliation is not a type of rock; it refers to the layering in metamorphic rocks. Magma, sediment, and lava are all types of rock or rock-forming materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What is a key characteristic of a rock?

• It is always smooth

• It is a solid mixture

• It is always colorful

• It is a liquid

Answer explanation

A key characteristic of a rock is that it is a solid mixture of minerals and other materials. This distinguishes it from being smooth, colorful, or liquid, which are not inherent properties of all rocks.

What can rocks be composed of?

• Only minerals

• Only glass

• Minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, or glass

• Only organic matter

Answer explanation

Rocks can be composed of various materials, including minerals, smaller rock fragments, organic matter, and glass. This diversity is captured in the correct answer, which encompasses all these components.

Which of the following is a characteristic of sedimentary rocks?

• Formed from cooling lava

• Formed under heat and pressure

• Formed from sediment accumulation

• Formed from volcanic activity

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, which can include fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic materials. This distinguishes them from igneous and metamorphic rocks, which form through different processes.

Which rock type is likely to contain fossils?

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Crystalline

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, which often include organic materials. This environment is conducive to fossil formation, making sedimentary rocks the primary type to contain fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1