The Rock Cycle Review

What is the primary evidence of living things that have turned to stone?

• Fossils

• Minerals

• Rocks

• Bones

Answer explanation

Fossils are the primary evidence of living things that have turned to stone, as they are preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, often found in sedimentary rock. Minerals and rocks do not specifically indicate past life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Fossils are usually found in _______ rock, which is laid down in layers.

• igneous

• sedimentary

• metamorphic

• volcanic

Answer explanation

Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rock because this type of rock forms in layers, allowing for the preservation of organic material. Igneous and metamorphic rocks do not usually contain fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What are the three main types of rocks that can change in the rock cycle?

• A) Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic

• B) Volcanic, Plutonic, Sedimentary

• C) Igneous, Plutonic, Metamorphic

• D) Sedimentary, Volcanic, Metamorphic

Answer explanation

The three main types of rocks in the rock cycle are Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. These categories represent the primary rock types that can transform into one another through geological processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

In the rock cycle, rocks are continuously being changed from one form to another. Fill in the blank: Igneous rock can change into _______ or sedimentary rock over time.

• Metamorphic

• Volcanic

• Plutonic

• Crystalline

Answer explanation

Igneous rock can change into metamorphic rock through heat and pressure, or it can break down into sediments that form sedimentary rock. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Metamorphic'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What are the layers of the earth from innermost to outermost?

• Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

• Inner core, outer core, mantle, crust

• Mantle, crust, inner core, outer core

• Outer core, inner core, crust, mantle

Answer explanation

The correct order of the Earth's layers from innermost to outermost is: inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. This choice accurately reflects the structure of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Sedimentary rock becomes metamorphic rock due to ______.

• Cooling

• Erosion

• Heat and pressure

• Freezing

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rock transforms into metamorphic rock primarily due to heat and pressure. These conditions alter the mineral composition and structure of the rock, leading to metamorphism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What type of stress occurs when a rock is pulled apart?

• Compressional stress

• Tensional stress

• Shear stress

• Biological stress

Answer explanation

Tensional stress occurs when a rock is pulled apart, leading to stretching and thinning. This is in contrast to compressional stress, which squeezes rocks together, and shear stress, which causes sliding. Thus, the correct answer is tensional stress.

Fill in the blank: Chemical weathering occurs when a rock is ________ broken down.

• A) physically

• B) chemically

• C) biologically

• D) mechanically

Answer explanation

Chemical weathering specifically refers to the process where rocks are broken down through chemical reactions, altering their mineral composition. Therefore, the correct answer is B) chemically.

What is the purpose of giving a safety factor to a rock after examination?

• To determine its color

• To assess its weight

• To ensure safe construction near it

• To measure its temperature.

Answer explanation

The safety factor is used to ensure safe construction near the rock by accounting for uncertainties in its stability and load-bearing capacity, preventing potential hazards during and after construction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

After an engineer examines and tests a rock, she gives it a _______ factor for others to consider when building near the rock.

• color

• safety

• weight

• temperature

Answer explanation

The engineer assesses the rock's characteristics to determine its impact on construction. A 'safety' factor is crucial for ensuring stability and preventing hazards, making it the most relevant choice for building considerations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1