Question

read the passage and answer the following question(s).
passage 4922
directions: the table shows the formation and characteristics of several types of rock. use the table to answer any questions that follow.
table with columns: rock, formation, characteristics; rows: basalt, coal, granite, gneiss, limestone, shale
which of the rock or rocks form...
a. basalt
b. basalt and granite
c. coal
d. coal and slate

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option by matching the rock's formation and characteristics from the table:

• Option A (basalt): Basalt forms from crystallization of magma on Earth’s surface, with dark - colored, fine - grained, often porous characteristics (matches the table for basalt).
• Option B (basalt and granite): Granite forms from crystallization of magma at depths under Earth’s surface (multicolored, granular with large grains), while basalt forms on the surface. The option combines two rocks with different formation depths, so it's incorrect.
• Option C (coal): Coal forms from deposition of material (including organic remains) with coal - like color and combustible solid characteristics. Basalt has a different formation process (magma crystallization) and characteristics, so this is incorrect.
• Option D (coal and slate): Slate forms from exposure of materials to high heat and pressure (alternating dark and light bands in layers), and coal has its own formation. This combination is incorrect as their formation and characteristics don't match the same set of criteria.

Answer:

A. basalt