Question

mineral formulas
name formula
quartz sio₂
feldspar naalsi₃o₈—caal₂si₂o₈ & kalsi₃o₈
amphibole ca₂(mg,fe)₅si₈o₂₂(oh)₂ fe₇si₈o₂₂(oh)₂
olivine (mg,fe)₂sio₄

1. what is the main factor that determines the formation of the minerals listed in the table?

a. rate of magma cooling
b. temperature of the magma
c. presence or absence of water
d. changes in pressure

Explanation:

The rate of magma cooling is the main factor determining the formation of many common minerals. Faster - cooling magma leads to smaller crystals and different mineral compositions compared to slower - cooling magma. The temperature of magma affects the melting and solidification of minerals, but the rate of cooling is more crucial for the specific mineral forms. Water presence/absence and pressure changes can also influence mineral formation, but they are secondary to the cooling rate in this context.

Answer:

A. rate of magma cooling