Question

This represents three steps of the rock cycle. The sediments are layered and compressed in sedimentary rock. The sedimentary rock is heated and compressed to form metamorphic rock. One thing remains the same from start to finish: the total amount of minerals present.

This process represents an important scientific law. What is it?
A) law of motion
B) law of thermodynamics
C) law of conservation of mass
D) law of conservation of energy

Answer 1

The correct answer should be the law of thermodynamics, because the sedimentary rock, like in the question, is being heated and compressed to form metamorphic. And this has to do with Thermodynamics.

Answer 2

ANSWER: C) Law of Conservation of Mass

EXPLANATION: In the given cycle, it is seen that th sediments are layered and gets compressed into sedimentary rocks which eventually gets heated and compressed to form metamorphic rocks. But, the total amount of minerals present in the sediments remains the same throughout any stage of the cycle.

This proves the law of conservation of mass which states that mass can not be created nor be destroyed, it can only be transferred from one form to another. So, in this case, only phase transition occurred but the component which is mineral inside the sediments remains constant.

Therefore, the answer is law of conservation of mass.