Which of the following is a mineral?
A. oxygen
B. sand
C. plastic
D. wheat
A. oxygen
The mineral is option A: oxygen
To determine which of the following is a mineral, we need to understand what a mineral is. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a crystal structure.
Now let's analyze each option:
A. Oxygen: Oxygen is an element, but it is not considered a mineral because minerals are composed of a combination of chemical elements.
B. Sand: Sand is typically composed of granules of mineral particles, such as quartz, feldspar, or volcanic glass. So, sand itself is not a mineral, but it is made up of mineral components.
C. Plastic: Plastic is a synthetic material produced from polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating subunits. Since it is human-made and does not occur naturally, plastic is not considered a mineral.
D. Wheat: Wheat is an agricultural product and is not a mineral. It is a plant that is grown and harvested for various uses.
In conclusion, none of the options, including oxygen, sand, plastic, or wheat, are minerals.