Minerals must have atoms that are tightly packed together and cannot move freely. Which part of the definition of a mineral does this describe?
A. The requirement that minerals must have a defined chemical composition.
B. The requirement that minerals must be naturally occuring.
C. The requirement that minerals the solids
D. The requirement that minerals must have a defined crystalline structure
D. The requirement that minerals must have a defined crystalline structure
D. The requirement that minerals must have a defined crystalline structure.
The part of the definition of a mineral that describes minerals having tightly packed atoms that cannot move freely is option D: the requirement that minerals must have a defined crystalline structure.
To understand why, let's break down the other options:
A. The requirement that minerals must have a defined chemical composition: This refers to the fact that minerals are made up of specific chemical elements or compounds in a fixed ratio. It does not directly address the arrangement or movement of atoms within the mineral.
B. The requirement that minerals must be naturally occurring: This indicates that minerals are found in nature, rather than being human-made. It does not pertain to the internal structure or mobility of atoms within the mineral.
C. The requirement that minerals must be solids: This defines minerals as having a definite shape and volume, as opposed to liquids or gases. While it does relate to the rigidity of a mineral, it does not provide specific information about the packing or motion of atoms.
D. The requirement that minerals must have a defined crystalline structure: This describes the characteristic arrangement of atoms in a mineral, where the atoms are arranged in an ordered, repeating pattern. In a crystalline structure, the atoms are tightly packed together and cannot move freely. This arrangement gives minerals their rigidity and distinct physical properties.
Therefore, option D best describes the given characteristic of minerals having tightly packed atoms that cannot move freely.