Which statement is correct about the properties that define a particular kind of mineral?
A. A particular mineral is defined by its chemical composition and crystalline structure
B. A particular mineral is defined only by its chemical composition
C. A particular mineral is defined by neither it's chemical composition nor crystalline structure
D. A particular mineral is defined only by its crystalline structure
A. A particular mineral is defined by its chemical composition and crystalline structure
A. A particular mineral is defined by its chemical composition and crystalline structure
The correct statement about the properties that define a particular kind of mineral is A. A particular mineral is defined by its chemical composition and crystalline structure.
To understand why, let's break down each option and examine their accuracy.
Option A states that a mineral is defined by both its chemical composition and crystalline structure. This statement is correct. Minerals are naturally occurring substances that have a specific chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement known as a crystalline structure. The combination of these two properties distinguishes one mineral from another.
Option B claims that a particular mineral is defined only by its chemical composition. This statement is incorrect. Although chemical composition is an essential property of a mineral, it is not the sole factor used to identify and classify minerals. Minerals can have the same chemical composition but different crystalline structures, resulting in distinct minerals.
Option C suggests that a particular mineral is defined by neither its chemical composition nor crystalline structure. This statement is also incorrect. As mentioned earlier, both chemical composition and crystalline structure are crucial properties for defining a mineral. Without these two characteristics, the substance may not meet the classification criteria and would not be considered a mineral.
Option D proposes that a particular mineral is defined only by its crystalline structure. This statement is incorrect. While crystalline structure is a fundamental property of minerals, it alone is not sufficient for determining a specific mineral type. The chemical composition of a mineral is equally important in distinguishing one mineral from another.
In conclusion, option A is the correct statement as it acknowledges that both the chemical composition and crystalline structure are necessary properties to define a particular kind of mineral.