Igneous rock is formed through the crystallization of molten material, known as magma or lava. When magma cools and solidifies, it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a solid state. This solidification process can occur beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive or plutonic igneous rocks, or on the Earth's surface, leading to extrusive or volcanic igneous rocks.
During the cooling and solidification of magma, the particles within the liquid begin to slow down and arrange themselves in an orderly pattern. As the temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of the particles decreases, causing them to pack closely together. Eventually, the particles become immobile and form a solid structure, resulting in the formation of igneous rock.
The specific type of igneous rock that is formed depends on various factors such as the composition of the magma, cooling rate, and other geological conditions. Igneous rocks can have diverse textures and mineral compositions, ranging from fine-grained rocks like basalt to coarse-grained rocks like granite.
Overall, the process of matter changing from a liquid state to a solid state is a crucial step in the formation of igneous rock. It represents the transformation of the molten material into a solid crystalline structure, which defines the unique characteristics of igneous rocks.
Matter changes state from liquid to solid to form igneous rock.
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