3
practice testMultiple Choice

Practice Test

Question 3 • Earth and Space Science

Assume that a third sample with the same chemical composition as Samples 1 and 2 formed under very high pressure. Which property would most likely increase compared to the other two samples?

Answer
A
its resistance to scratching
B
its reaction with dilute acid
C
its tendency to flake along weak planes
D
its streak color

Explanation

Very high pressure can make a mineral’s structure more tightly packed, increasing its hardness. Hardness is measured by resistance to scratching, so that property would most likely increase. Chemical reactions, streak color, and tendency to split along weak planes are not generally increased just because the mineral formed under higher pressure.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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