4B1 Earth's Materials and Systems

Question 1

rock

Answer 1

A naturally occurring solid mass made of minerals.

Rocks can vary widely in composition and texture, depending on the minerals they contain and the processes that formed them.

Question 2

What are the three main types of rocks?

Answer 2

1. Igneous
2. Sedimentary
3. Metamorphic

1. Igneous – Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
2. Sedimentary – Created from the compression of sediments over time.
3. Metamorphic – Formed when existing rocks are altered by heat and pressure.

Question 3

What is the rock cycle?

Answer 3

A continuous process that transforms rocks through geological processes.

The rock cycle shows how rocks are recycled over time due to processes like weathering, melting, and cooling.

Question 4

True or False:

Igneous rocks form from the cooling of molten material.

Answer 4

True

Both magma (beneath the surface) and lava (on the surface) cool and solidify to form igneous rocks like granite and basalt.

Question 5

Which igneous rock forms from rapid lava cooling?

Answer 5

Basalt

Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock formed from quickly cooling lava at the Earth’s surface, giving it a fine-grained texture.

Question 6

Fill in the blank:

________ forms from the slow cooling of magma underground.

Answer 6

Granite

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock with large crystals, formed when magma cools slowly beneath the surface.

Question 7

Which rock forms from heat and pressure deep within Earth?

Answer 7

Metamorphic

Metamorphic rocks, such as marble and slate, are created when existing rocks undergo heat and pressure.

Question 8

Which process is responsible for the formation of slate from shale?

Answer 8

Metamorphism

Slate forms from shale through the process of metamorphism, where heat and pressure change its mineral structure.

Question 9

What type of rock is found in mountain ranges formed by tectonic forces?

Answer 9

Metamorphic

Metamorphic rocks are often found in mountain ranges due to the heat and pressure from tectonic forces that alter the original rock.

Question 10

What is an example of a metamorphic rock formed from limestone?

Answer 10

Marble

Marble forms when limestone undergoes metamorphism due to heat and pressure, changing its mineral structure and appearance.

Question 11

True or False:

Metamorphic rocks can be created from both igneous and sedimentary rocks.

Answer 11

True

Metamorphic rocks are created when any type of rock (igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) is subjected to heat and pressure.

Question 12

Which rock is formed from the accumulation of compacted sand grains?

Answer 12

Sandstone

Sandstone forms when sand particles are compacted and cemented together, often in deserts or beach environments.

Question 13

Fill in the blank:

Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of _____ and mud.

Answer 13

sand

Sediments accumulate, are compacted over time, and eventually cement together to form solid sedimentary rock.

Question 14

What process turns sediment into sedimentary rock?

Answer 14

Lithification

Lithification involves compaction and cementation of sediment particles, forming solid sedimentary rocks.

Question 15

What is the primary component of limestone?

Answer 15

Calcium carbonate

Limestone is made primarily of calcium carbonate, often derived from marine organisms like corals and shells.

Question 16

True or False:

Sedimentary rocks are usually layered.

Answer 16

True

Sedimentary rocks are typically layered due to the gradual accumulation of sediments over time.

Question 17

Fill in the blank:

________ is a sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay particles.

Answer 17

Shale

Shale forms from the accumulation of fine clay particles and is often found in areas like riverbeds and lake bottoms.

Question 18

What process occurs when rocks melt into magma?

Answer 18

Melting

Melting is essential for the formation of igneous rocks, as it allows solid rocks to become molten material (magma).

Question 19

Define:

Mineral

Answer 19

A natural, inorganic solid with a set composition and crystal structure.

Minerals form through geological processes and are the building blocks of rocks. Examples include quartz, feldspar, and mica.

Question 20

True or False:

Rocks are made of one or more minerals.

Answer 20

True

Rocks are aggregates of minerals and may also contain organic material. For example, granite is composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.

Question 21

What is the most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust?

Answer 21

Feldspar

Feldspar is the most abundant mineral group in Earth’s crust, making up over 50% and potentially as much as 60% depending on geological studies.

Question 22

What property measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching?

Answer 22

Hardness

Hardness is determined using the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). It helps identify minerals by testing their ability to resist scratches from objects or other minerals.

Question 23

What scale is used to measure mineral hardness?

Answer 23

Mohs scale

The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Common materials like a fingernail (~2.5) or glass (~5.5) are used for comparison.

Question 24

What mineral is the hardest on the Mohs scale?

Answer 24

Diamond

Diamond is rated 10 on the Mohs scale due to its strong covalent bonds in a tetrahedral crystal structure.

Question 25

What mineral is **commonly used to test** for a hardness of 3?

Answer 25

Calcite ## Footnote **Calcite** can be scratched with a copper coin, making it an ideal reference for Mohs hardness of 3.

Question 26

What property describes the way a **mineral reflects light**?

Answer 26

Luster ## Footnote **Luster** can be metallic (shiny like metal) or non-metallic (e.g., glassy, pearly, or dull).

Question 27

# True or False: Streak is the **color of a mineral** in powdered form.

Answer 27

True ## Footnote **Streak** is tested by rubbing a mineral on a streak plate (unglazed porcelain). It often reveals a consistent color, unlike the surface color, which may vary.

Question 28

What **refers** to a mineral's mass per unit volume?

Answer 28

Density ## Footnote **Density**, also called specific gravity, is calculated as mass divided by volume. Higher densities usually indicate the presence of heavy elements like lead or iron.

Question 29

# True or False: All minerals are **inorganic**.

Answer 29

True ## Footnote By definition, minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Question 30

What property involves the way **a mineral breaks along flat planes**?

Answer 30

Cleavage ## Footnote **Cleavage** occurs when minerals break along specific planes of weakness. The number and quality of cleavage planes vary by mineral type.

Question 31

# Fill in the blank: Minerals with **no defined cleavage** exhibit \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 31

fracture ## Footnote **Fracture** describes irregular breaks in minerals. Examples include conchoidal (shell-like) fracture in quartz and splintery fracture in asbestos.

Question 32

What **type of cleavage** does calcite exhibit?

Answer 32

Rhombohedral ## Footnote **Calcite** breaks into *rhombohedron-shaped* fragments due to its three planes of cleavage not intersecting at right angles.

Question 33

# True or False: Quartz has **no cleavage**.

Answer 33

True ## Footnote **Quartz** fractures rather than cleaves due to its strong atomic bonds in all directions, producing **conchoidal** (shell-like) surfaces.

Question 34

What **property** describes the ability of a mineral to transmit light?

Answer 34

Transparency ## Footnote **Minerals** can be *transparent* (clear, light passes through), *translucent* (light diffuses), or *opaque* (no light passes through).

Question 35

# Fill in the blank: A mineral’s \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ is its natural **shape** when formed under ideal conditions.

Answer 35

crystal habit ## Footnote *Crystal habit* describes a mineral’s external shape, such as prismatic (quartz) or cubic (pyrite), reflecting its internal atomic arrangement.

Question 36

What **mineral property** causes magnetite to **attract a magnet**?

Answer 36

Magnetism ## Footnote **Magnetite**, a common magnetic mineral, is strongly attracted to magnets, making it easily identifiable.

Question 37

# True or False: **Fluorescence** is a property where minerals glow under ultraviolet light.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote Fluorescent minerals like fluorite **emit** visible light when exposed to UV radiation due to their *specific chemical composition*.

Question 38

What is the main cause of **mineral color**?

Answer 38

Elemental composition ## Footnote Mineral color depends on its *chemical elements* and *impurities*. For example, pure quartz is clear, while trace elements like iron can make it pink (rose quartz).

Question 39

# Fill in the blank: Hematite **leaves** a \_\_\_\_ streak despite appearing metallic gray.

Answer 39

red ## Footnote Hematite’s *reddish streak* is a reliable identifier, contrasting its metallic surface appearance.

Question 40

What mineral is known for its **perfect cubic cleavage**?

Answer 40

Halite ## Footnote **Halite** (rock salt) breaks along three perpendicular planes, forming perfect cubes.

Question 41

What mineral has a **pearly luster** and cleaves into thin sheets?

Answer 41

Mica ## Footnote **Mica** minerals, like muscovite and biotite, exhibit sheet-like cleavage due to their layered atomic structure.

Question 42

Which mineral **fizzes in acid** and is often found in sedimentary rocks?

Answer 42

Calcite ## Footnote **Calcite** reacts with dilute acid, releasing carbon dioxide. It is a common mineral in limestone and marble.

Question 43

# True or False: Graphite and diamond are made of the **same** element.

Answer 43

True ## Footnote Both graphite and diamond are forms of **carbon**. Their differing properties result from variations in atomic bonding and structure.

Question 44

# Fill in the blank: Minerals that **break** into rough, uneven surfaces exhibit \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 44

fracture ## Footnote **Fracture** occurs when minerals lack planes of weakness. Quartz is a common example with conchoidal (curved) fractures.

Question 45

What property makes **gold** ideal for jewelry?

Answer 45

Malleability ## Footnote Gold’s **malleability** allows it to be **shaped** into thin sheets or intricate designs without breaking.

Question 46

What is the **lightest mineral** in terms of density?

Answer 46

Graphite ## Footnote **Graphite** is light and has a low density due to its layered structure with weak interlayer bonds.

Question 47

What is the **process** by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces?

Answer 47

Weathering ## Footnote **Weathering** occurs due to physical, chemical, or biological forces, breaking down rocks into smaller particles.

Question 48

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the **movement** of weathered material by wind, water, or ice.

Answer 48

Erosion ## Footnote **Erosion** moves weathered materials to new locations where they may form new rocks or features.

Question 49

# True or False: Weathering and erosion are part of the **same process** in the rock cycle.

Answer 49

True ## Footnote Weathering *breaks* rocks down, while erosion *transports* the broken-down materials to new locations.

Question 50

# Define: valley

Answer 50

A **low-lying area** between hills or mountains, often formed by erosion. ## Footnote Valleys can be V-shaped (river erosion) or U-shaped (glacial erosion), depending on the erosional force involved.

Question 51

What are the **characteristics** of a canyon?

Answer 51

A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often formed by river erosion. ## Footnote The *Grand Canyon* in the U.S. was formed by the Colorado River cutting through layers of rock over millions of years.

Question 52

List **three major factors** that influence the formation of landforms.

Answer 52

1. Erosion 2. Deposition 3. Tectonic Activity ## Footnote **Erosion** – Carves out valleys, canyons, and coastal landforms. **Deposition** – Builds up deltas, sand dunes, and alluvial fans. **Tectonic Activity** – Creates mountains, faults, and rift valleys.

Question 53

# True or False: Wind is a **major force** in shaping desert landscapes.

Answer 53

True ## Footnote **Wind** erodes and deposits sand, creating dunes and desert pavement, as seen in the **Sahara** and other arid regions.

Question 54

What happens during the **deposition** of sediments?

Answer 54

**Sediments** settle and accumulate in layers. ## Footnote Deposition occurs when transporting agents (like water or wind) slow down, allowing the sediments to accumulate.

Question 55

# Fill in the blank: A \_\_\_\_\_ is a **steep slope** prone to collapse from erosion or instability.

Answer 55

Cliff ## Footnote **Cliffs**, especially along coastlines, are prone to **erosion** caused by waves, wind, and weathering, increasing the risk of collapse.

Question 56

What is a **landslide**?

Answer 56

The **movement** of rock, soil, or debris down a slope. ## Footnote Landslides can be triggered by *heavy rain*, *earthquakes*, or *human activities*.

Question 57

# True or False: Heavy rainfall has **no effect** on landslide occurrence.

Answer 57

False ## Footnote *Excessive rainfall* saturates soil, reducing stability and **increasing** landslide risk.

Question 58

# Define: retaining wall

Answer 58

A **structure** built to hold back soil and prevent erosion or landslides. ## Footnote *Retaining walls* are common in *hilly areas* to protect roads and buildings.

Question 59

Why do scientists use **early warning systems** for landslides?

Answer 59

To **detect** ground movement and **warn** people before a disaster occurs. ## Footnote Early warning systems use **sensors** to track soil moisture, vibrations, and slope stability, helping predict landslides and reduce risks.