Question

1 which interactions at the particle scale do we need in order to explain why the crust above the magma will break, allowing magma to reach the surface?
a the repulsion due to forces (bonds) between the atomic particles of rock will weaken when the particles are forced apart by the upward forces.
b the attraction due to forces (bonds) between the atomic particles of rock will get stronger when the particles are forced apart by the upward forces.
c the attraction due to gravity between the particles of rock and earth will get stronger when the particles are forced apart by the upward forces.
d the repulsion due to gravity between the particles of rock and earth will weaken when the particles are forced apart by the upward forces.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the interactions at the particle scale for magma to break the crust. The key is understanding the forces between atomic particles in rock. Option A states that the repulsion due to bonds (forces) between atomic particles of rock weakens when particles are forced apart by upward forces. This makes sense because when the upward force (from magma) acts, the repulsive forces between the atomic particles in the rock's crust weaken, allowing the bonds to break and magma to rise. Option B is incorrect as attraction getting stronger wouldn't break the crust. Options involving gravity (C and D) are incorrect because the main forces here are inter - atomic bonds, not gravity between rock particles and Earth.

Answer:

A. The repulsion due to forces (bonds) between the atomic particles of rock will weaken when the particles are forced apart by the upward forces.