3. Sandra takes a class field trip to a geology museum. She sees an interesting sample of igneous rock. She wonders if the material in this rock sample could have come from a sedimentary rock formation at Earth’s surface millions of years ago. Is this possible? Can sedimentary rock change into igneous rock?

Question

Responses

a
Yes, if sedimentary rock is exposed to energy from the sun at Earth’s surface for a long enough time, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
Yes, if sedimentary rock is exposed to energy from the sun at Earth’s surface for a long enough time, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

b
Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

c
No, igneous rock forms under Earth’s outer layer due to energy from Earth’s interior, but sedimentary rock is only at Earth’s surface.
No, igneous rock forms under Earth’s outer layer due to energy from Earth’s interior, but sedimentary rock is only at Earth’s surface.

d
No, igneous rock can only form out of other igneous rock. Sedimentary rock cannot change into igneous rock.

Answer 1

The correct response to Sandra's question is:

b Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.

This statement accurately describes the rock cycle, where sedimentary rock can undergo metamorphism and eventually be subjected to high temperatures and pressures, allowing it to melt and become igneous rock as magma.