Final answer:
Metamorphic rocks are formed when pre-existing rocks undergo physical or chemical changes due to heat and pressure, a process known as metamorphism.
Step-by-step explanation:
When rock is subjected to heat and pressure, causing profound physical or chemical change, the new type of rock formed is c) Metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are pre-existing rocks that are transformed into new types of rocks due to the influence of heat, pressure, and sometimes chemically reactive fluids.
This process, known as metamorphism, often results in the recrystallization of minerals and changes in texture and mineral orientation within the rock.
Examples include the transformation of limestone to marble, and shale to slate. Metamorphic rocks are an essential part of the rock cycle, showcasing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the Earth's crust.