Key Idea.
Section 1
Matter is Conserved
Through all geological changes—melting, weathering, or cooling—the total amount of matter remains constant. This is the Law of Conservation of Matter.
A granite mountain may break down into millions of sand grains, but the total mass of the sand equals the mass of the mountain. Rock material is never destroyed or created; it only changes its physical form and location.
Section 2
Energy Drives Change
Rock material changes form because energy flows through it. The rock cycle is essentially a system where matter is moved and altered by energy.
Exposure to solar energy causes rock to break into sediment, while exposure to Earth's interior energy causes rock to melt into magma. Identifying the active energy source allows scientists to explain why a rock transformed.
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Section 1
Matter is Conserved
Through all geological changes—melting, weathering, or cooling—the total amount of matter remains constant. This is the Law of Conservation of Matter.
A granite mountain may break down into millions of sand grains, but the total mass of the sand equals the mass of the mountain. Rock material is never destroyed or created; it only changes its physical form and location.
Section 2
Energy Drives Change
Rock material changes form because energy flows through it. The rock cycle is essentially a system where matter is moved and altered by energy.
Exposure to solar energy causes rock to break into sediment, while exposure to Earth's interior energy causes rock to melt into magma. Identifying the active energy source allows scientists to explain why a rock transformed.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter