Question

1. a geologist describes a rock sample she is studying. the rock sample is igneous rock, but the student wonders if the material that it formed from was part of a sedimentary rock formation millions of years ago. could this be correct? could the material for igneous rock come from sedimentary rock?

a yes, if sedimentary rock is exposed to energy from the sun at earth’s surface for a long enough time, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
b yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below earth’s outer layer and exposed to energy from earth’s interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.
c no, igneous rock can only form from other igneous rock. sedimentary rock cannot change into igneous rock.
d no, igneous rock forms under earth’s outer layer due to energy from earth’s interior, but sedimentary rock only forms at earth’s surface

Explanation:

Sedimentary rock can be buried deep within the Earth. The heat and pressure from Earth's interior (not energy from the sun at the surface) can cause it to melt. This molten material (magma or lava) can then cool and solidify to form igneous rock. Option a is wrong because solar energy at the surface isn't enough to melt rocks. Option c is incorrect as it's not true that igneous rock can only form from other igneous rock. Option d is wrong because while sedimentary rock often forms at the surface, it can be re - processed (melted due to Earth's interior energy) to form igneous rock.

Answer:

B. Yes, if sedimentary rock is moved below Earth's outer layer and exposed to energy from Earth's interior, it can melt into liquid rock and form igneous rock.