what happens when magma is cooled (2 points)

Answer 1

When magma is cooled, it undergoes solidification and forms igneous rock. This process involves two major changes:

1. Crystallization: As magma cools, the high-temperature molten minerals solidify and arrange themselves into an orderly and repeating pattern. The cooling rate determines the crystal size in the resulting igneous rock. Slow cooling leads to larger crystal formation, while rapid cooling results in the formation of smaller crystals or even glass-like textures.

2. Differentiation: Magma is composed of various elements and minerals in a molten state. During the cooling process, the different minerals in the magma separate and settle into distinct layers based on their chemical composition and density. This process is called differentiation and leads to the formation of layered igneous rocks called plutonic or intrusive rocks.