Transformation of Matter
Transformation of Matter is a Grade 7 science concept from Amplify Science (California) Chapter 2: Sediment and Magma, explaining that any type of rock can be transformed into magma when forced deep enough underground to encounter Earth intense internal heat. This proves Earth recycles its materials — no new matter is created, only repurposed from existing rock.
Key Concepts
Magma is formed from the recycling of existing rock. Any type of rock—even sedimentary rock found on the surface—can be transformed back into magma if it is forced deep enough underground.
This concept proves that Earth recycles its materials. The planet does not create new matter for magma; it simply repurposes old rock by changing its state from solid to liquid through intense heat.
Common Questions
Can any type of rock become magma?
Yes. Any rock — sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic — can become magma if it is subducted or carried deep enough underground where Earth internal heat is sufficient to melt it.
What energy source melts rock into magma?
Earth internal heat, generated by the planet core and radioactive decay, provides the thermal energy needed to melt solid rock into magma. This is different from surface heating by the sun.
How does magma formation demonstrate that Earth recycles its materials?
Magma is not new matter — it is melted existing rock. Earth recycles materials by taking old rock at convergent boundaries, melting it into magma in the mantle, and eventually using it to create new rock at other locations.
What do Grade 7 students learn about magma formation in Amplify Science?
In Chapter 2 of Amplify Science California Grade 7, students learn that all rock types can be transformed into magma by Earth internal heat, demonstrating the rock cycle as a recycling system for planetary materials.