Question

why do rocks on the ocean floor form a pattern of magnetized stripes?
the rocks contain iron that points in the direction the rocks move away from the ridge.
the rocks are composed of different materials depending on when they formed.
the rocks change shapes as a result of the pushing and pulling of seafloor spreading.
the rocks contain iron that points in different directions depending on earths polarity.

Explanation:

As new ocean - floor rocks form at mid - ocean ridges, the iron within them aligns with Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. Earth's magnetic polarity has reversed many times over geological history. So, rocks that form at different times have iron pointing in different directions based on the polarity at that time, creating the pattern of magnetized stripes.

Answer:

The rocks contain iron that points in different directions depending on Earth's polarity.