Science Starter 3/13

During a science class, Natalie and Austin were discussing the hardness of different minerals. Based on the Moh's scale, which statement is best supported by the data shown?

• An iron nail has fluoride in it.

• A streak plate is made of quartz.

• Topaz is harder than a steel file.

• Apatite is softer than a copper penny.

Answer explanation

According to Moh's scale, topaz has a hardness of 8, while a steel file has a hardness of around 6. Therefore, the statement "Topaz is harder than a steel file" is correct and best supported by the data.

Korsheed and Harper are studying geology. They are discussing the following statements about rocks and minerals. Which of the following statements are TRUE?

• A. I and II

• B. I, III and IV

• C. Only IV

• D. All of the above

Answer explanation

Statements I, III, and IV are true regarding rocks and minerals, while statement II is false. Therefore, the correct choice is B, which includes I, III, and IV.

Emma and Parker are using the Moh's Hardness Scale for their science project. They have a mineral that can scratch calcite, but it cannot scratch apatite. What is the name of the mineral AND the number associated with it on the Moh's Hardness Scale?

• Fluorite #4

• Quartz #7

• Gypsum #2

• Diamond #10

Answer explanation

The mineral can scratch calcite (hardness 3) but cannot scratch apatite (hardness 5). Fluorite, with a hardness of 4, fits this criterion, making it the correct answer.

During a field investigation, Ryder and Parker collected samples of four igneous rocks. These rocks formed from magma that cooled at various rates. The faster magma cools, the smaller the crystals that form in the rock (less texture). Which rock collected by Ryder and Parker formed from magma that cooled very rapidly?

• syenite

• granite

• obsidian

• pegmatite

Answer explanation

Obsidian formed from magma that cooled very rapidly, resulting in a glassy texture with no visible crystals. In contrast, syenite, granite, and pegmatite cool more slowly, allowing larger crystals to form.

Gabby and Shin are collecting samples for their geology class. Gabby picks up a rock and Shin picks up a mineral. How are the rock and mineral DIFFERENT?

• Rocks are a pure substance and minerals are all mixtures.

• Rocks have no physical or chemical properties similar to minerals.

• Rocks are made up of at least two minerals, but minerals are not made up of rocks.

• Minerals are made up of at least two rocks, but rocks are not made up of minerals.

Answer explanation

Rocks are composed of two or more minerals, making them a combination of different substances. In contrast, minerals are defined as pure substances with specific chemical compositions, and they do not consist of rocks.

During a science class, Davon and Bentley were discussing why materials like cement, brick, steel, and glass, although derived from substances found in Earth's crust, are NOT classified as minerals. They concluded that these materials are not classified as minerals because

• they are organic

• they are not naturally occurring

• they are too hard

• they have many uses

Answer explanation

Cement, brick, steel, and glass are not classified as minerals because they are not naturally occurring; they are man-made materials, unlike true minerals which form through natural geological processes.

Lily and Austin are on a nature hike and come across a shiny rock. Lily asks Austin, "Which of the following definitions best describes a mineral?"

• A. A substance that can be made in a factory that is solid and liquid.

• B. A substance made of gas and organic materials.

• C. A naturally occurring, inorganic, solid that has a crystal structure and chemical composition.

• D. A solid made up of the same things you can make a cake with.

Answer explanation

Choice C correctly defines a mineral as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure and specific chemical composition, distinguishing it from other substances.

Ms. Emma is teaching her class about rocks and minerals. She holds up a rainbow chocolate chip cookie and explains that the cookie is like a rock. Next, she points to the different colored chocolate chips. What do the chocolate chips represent?

• Fossils

• Gems

• Minerals

• Rocks

Answer explanation

The chocolate chips in the cookie represent minerals, as they are distinct components that contribute to the overall structure, similar to how minerals are the building blocks of rocks.

Kynsley and Bentley are studying different materials in their science class. They come across a table with the following characteristics: Color, Hardness, Crystal shape, Luster, Streak, Fracture or Cleavage. What is the best title for this table?

• How to Identify a Rock

• Properties of an Element

• Properties of a Compound

• How to Identify a Mineral.

Answer explanation

The table lists characteristics like color, hardness, and luster, which are used to identify minerals. Therefore, the best title for the table is 'How to Identify a Mineral.'

Emma and her classmates have been challenged to identify six minerals. They begin with a glassy, pink mineral. The mineral can scratch glass. Based on these three properties, the mineral is MOST LIKELY:

• calcite

• mica

• gypsum

• quartz

Answer explanation

The mineral is glassy and pink, and it can scratch glass. Quartz is a common glassy mineral that can scratch glass, while calcite cannot. Therefore, the mineral is MOST LIKELY quartz.