A student was asked to prepare a model of the rock cycle as it moves matter slowly through the Earth. The student creates a model, as shown here. In order to revise the model, how should the lettered components be modified in order to create an accurate model? Select all choices that apply.

Question

Responses
A Letter A should represent igneous rock that is extruded from magma.Letter A should represent igneous rock that is extruded from magma.
B Letters A and B should both be igneous rock, which is found near the Earth's surface.Letters A and B should both be igneous rock, which is found near the Earth's surface.
C Letters C and B should be sedimentary rock, which is found under layers of other materials.Letters C and B should be sedimentary rock, which is found under layers of other materials.
D Letter C should represent metamorphic rock which changes composition under heat and pressure.Letter C should represent metamorphic rock which changes composition under heat and pressure.
E Letter B should represent sedimentary rock that is buried by layers of sand and deposited material.

Answer 1

To create an accurate model of the rock cycle that reflects how different types of rocks are formed and transformed, the following responses should be considered for modification:

A. Letter A should represent igneous rock that is extruded from magma.

• This statement is correct if Letter A is meant to represent igneous rock that forms from the cooling of magma that comes to the Earth's surface (extrusive igneous rock).

B. Letters A and B should both be igneous rock, which is found near the Earth's surface.

• This statement can be true if both Letter A and Letter B represent different types of extrusive igneous rocks, but it may not fully capture the diversity of the rock cycle unless the context specifically allows for two forms of igneous rock.

C. Letters C and B should be sedimentary rock, which is found under layers of other materials.

• This would depend on the intended design of the rock cycle model. In a typical rock cycle, sedimentary rock can be formed from other sediments, but stating that both Letters C and B should be sedimentary may need clarification depending on their specific roles in the cycle.

D. Letter C should represent metamorphic rock which changes composition under heat and pressure.

• This statement is accurate if Letter C is intended to represent metamorphic rock, which forms from existing igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks under heat and pressure.

E. Letter B should represent sedimentary rock that is buried by layers of sand and deposited material.

• This statement correctly describes sedimentary rock formation, and if Letter B is intended to indicate this process, it should be modified accordingly.

In summary, depending on the existing placements of Letters A, B, and C in the student's model, the appropriate responses to revise the model accurately include:

• A (if appropriate for the context)
• D
• E

Final modification requires knowing the initial assignments of the letters. If the student’s model already aligns with these descriptions, adjustments may not be needed. If the components are not accurately reflecting rock types and processes, then these changes should be implemented.