Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780321567918
Author: Paul G. Hewitt, Leslie A. Hewitt, John A Suchocki
Publisher: Addison Wesley
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Chapter 25, Problem 9RAT

What most strongly influences a mineral’s hardness?

(a) The geometry of a mineral’s atomic structure

(b) The strength of a mineral’s chemical bonds

(c) The silica content

(d) The number of planes of weakness

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The correct option for the statement “What most strongly influences a mineral’s hardness?”

Answer to Problem 9RAT

The correct option for the statement “What most strongly influences a mineral’s hardness?” is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

Hardness defines the resistance to breakage or scratching. The strength of a mineral’s chemical bonds affects mineral’s hardness to a great extent.

The main factors affecting hardness are ionic charge, atom size and packing. The higher the charge between ions higher will be attraction and thus stronger will be the bond between the minerals. Hence, more will be the hardness of the mineral.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “What most strongly influences a mineral’s hardness?” is option (b).

Chapter 25 Solutions

Conceptual Physical Science Explorations

Ch. 25 - Prob. 11RQCh. 25 - What are the most common igneous rocks, and where...Ch. 25 - Prob. 13RQCh. 25 - Prob. 14RQCh. 25 - What are three common types of plutons?Ch. 25 - Prob. 16RQCh. 25 - What is a clastic sedimentary rock?Ch. 25 - When water evaporates from a body of water, what...Ch. 25 - What is metamorphism? What causes it?Ch. 25 - Distinguish between foliated and nonfoliated...Ch. 25 - What three sources of heat contributed to the...Ch. 25 - Which type(s) of rock is (are) made from...Ch. 25 - Prob. 3TECh. 25 - What two mineral groups provide the most of the...Ch. 25 - Prob. 5TECh. 25 - Is cleavage the same thing as crystal form? Why or...Ch. 25 - Are the Hawaiian Islands made up of primarily of...Ch. 25 - Where does most magma originate?Ch. 25 - What patterns of alteration are characteristic of...Ch. 25 - In what two ways does sediment turns into...Ch. 25 - Name two mica minerals that can give a metamorphic...Ch. 25 - How is foliation different from sediment layering?Ch. 25 - What are the two processes by which rock is...Ch. 25 - Prob. 14TECh. 25 - Each of the following statements describes one or...Ch. 25 - How do chemical sediments produce rock? Name two...Ch. 25 - How are the most carbonates rocks formed?Ch. 25 - Prob. 18TECh. 25 - Prob. 19TECh. 25 - Th factors that influence bond strength influence...Ch. 25 - Gold has a density of 19.3g/cm3 . A 5-gal pail of...Ch. 25 - Prob. 1RATCh. 25 - Compaction and cementation of sediments leads to...Ch. 25 - Why are silicon and oxygen concentrated near...Ch. 25 - All of the following can occur during metamorphism...Ch. 25 - The most characteristic feature of sedimentary...Ch. 25 - In a sedimentary rock, the degree of particle...Ch. 25 - The characteristics of regional metamorphism...Ch. 25 - Coarse-grained plutonic igneous rocks occur...Ch. 25 - What most strongly influences a minerals hardness?...Ch. 25 - Prob. 10RAT
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