Question

Which of these is not correct in pairing how a specific mineral reacts to weathering?

a) Quartz transforms into sand.
B) Feldspar transforms into clay minerals.
C) Mafic minerals transform into iron oxides.
D) All of these choices are correct.

Answer 1

All the given reactions of specific minerals to weathering are correct: quartz transforms into sand, feldspar transforms into clay minerals, and mafic minerals transform into iron oxides.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the reaction of specific minerals to weathering and which pairing is incorrect. Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals on Earth's surface through physical and chemical means.

Understanding the different types of rocks and how they are formed is crucial to determining how they will react to weathering.

• Quartz, being highly resistant to weathering, indeed transforms into sand when weathered. It remains relatively unaltered because of its stable chemical structure.
  
• Feldspar reacts to chemical weathering and primarily transforms into clay minerals.
  
• Mafic minerals, which contain a significant amount of iron and magnesium, are more susceptible to weathering than quartz or feldspar and can transform into iron oxides.
  

Given these facts, the correct answer to the student's question is D) All of these choices are correct. Each of the listed minerals reacts to weathering in the manner described.