3.1 Minerals

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of minerals?

• Man-made

• Naturally occurring

• Liquid form

• Organic

Answer explanation

A defining characteristic of minerals is that they are naturally occurring substances. This distinguishes them from man-made materials, liquids, and organic compounds, which do not meet the criteria for being classified as minerals.

What does it mean for a mineral to have a definite composition?

• It can change its elements

• It is made of random elements

• It is made up of the same elements in a specific ratio

• It is always a liquid

Answer explanation

A mineral having a definite composition means it is made up of the same elements in a specific ratio. This consistency distinguishes minerals from other substances that may vary in composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which characteristic states that minerals must be solid in natural form?

• Naturally occurring

• Inorganic

• Definite composition

• Distinct properties

Answer explanation

The characteristic 'distinct properties' indicates that minerals must be solid in their natural form, as they possess unique physical and chemical properties that define them as minerals.

What is meant by a mineral having a crystalline structure?

• It is always liquid

• Atoms are arranged randomly

• Atoms line up in a repeating pattern

• It is made of gases

Answer explanation

A mineral having a crystalline structure means that its atoms line up in a repeating pattern, creating a defined geometric shape. This orderly arrangement distinguishes crystals from other forms of matter.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

• Inorganic

• Naturally occurring

• Always liquid

• Crystalline structure

Answer explanation

Minerals are defined as inorganic, naturally occurring substances with a crystalline structure. They can be solid or gas, but they are not always liquid, making 'Always liquid' the correct choice as it is NOT a characteristic of minerals.

How many things must be true for something to be considered a mineral?

• 2

• 5

• 7

• 8

A ________ is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition.

• mineral

• rock

• crystal

• fluorite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1