"Where do the minerals come from?" Sanjay asked. "Usually from parent material," his teacher replied. Ms.Winston suggested they set up an experiment to demonstrate where minerals and other soil particles come from. This is their setup.

Question

In this experiment, the brown sugar represents the parent material. What role does water play in soil formation? One choice is NOT correct.
Responses
A The dripping water is mechanically weatherng the parent rock causing pieces to move down the incline.The dripping water is mechanically weatherng the parent rock causing pieces to move down the incline.
B The flowing water causes the parent rock particles to be eroded down hill and collect at the bottom of the tray.The flowing water causes the parent rock particles to be eroded down hill and collect at the bottom of the tray.
C The incline speeds up the erosion of sugar particles, the minerals and soil components, away from the parent material.The incline speeds up the erosion of sugar particles, the minerals and soil components, away from the parent material.
D The dripping water is an is chemically weathering the parent rock causing individual particles to break away from the original mound.

Answer 1

The option that is NOT correct in terms of the role water plays in soil formation, according to the context provided, is:

C. The incline speeds up the erosion of sugar particles, the minerals and soil components, away from the parent material.

This statement incorrectly describes the process. While the incline may influence the movement of particles, it doesn’t accurately describe the erosion process involving water and parent material. Erosion involves the removal of particles, but the intent of the experiment is to demonstrate the processes of weathering and how minerals and soil components come from parent material, which is better represented in the other options that involve mechanical or chemical weathering.