Final answer:
The claim that only igneous rocks can become metamorphic is false; both igneous and sedimentary rocks can undergo metamorphism in the rock cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's statement that only igneous rocks can transform into metamorphic rocks is false. Both sedimentary and igneous rocks can become metamorphic under the right conditions. The rock cycle includes the transition of rocks through various forms: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. This process is driven by conditions such as high temperature and pressure, which can deeply alter a rock's structure without melting it or breaking it down into sediment. Consequently, not only igneous rocks, but also sedimentary rocks, can undergo metamorphism. Rocks are carried deep beneath the Earth's surface by tectonic processes where they are exposed to these extreme conditions and transformed into metamorphic rocks. Upon returning to the surface, these rocks present characteristics distinct from their original state, showcasing the dynamic mechanism of the rock cycle.
According to the rock cycle, both igneous and sedimentary rocks can be transformed into metamorphic rock. The rock cycle is a concept in geology that describes the transitions among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Metamorphic rocks are formed when any pre-existing rock, whether it is igneous or sedimentary, is altered by heat and/or pressure. This transformation occurs deep within the Earth's crust, often in mountain belts or ancient mountain belts.