Question 1

What is a rock?

Accepted Answer

A rock is a solid thing made from minerals. You can find rocks all around you, like under your feet, in gardens, and at the beach.

Question 2

How are rocks formed?

Accepted Answer

Rocks are formed in three ways: from cooled lava or magma, from pieces of other rocks that stick together, and from minerals that get squished and heated deep underground.

Question 3

What are the three types of rocks?

Accepted Answer

The three types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from cooled lava, sedimentary rocks form from tiny bits of other rocks, and metamorphic rocks form from heat and pressure changing existing rocks.

Question 4

What is magma?

Accepted Answer

Magma is super hot, melted rock found deep inside the Earth. When it comes out of a volcano, it cools and becomes a rock.

Question 5

What is erosion?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is when rocks get worn down and moved away by wind, water, or ice. It's like nature's way of taking rocks on a big trip!

Question 6

How does water cause erosion?

Accepted Answer

Water can cause erosion by carrying away small pieces of rock and soil. Rivers and rain can wash rocks downhill or even break them into tiny pieces over time.

Question 7

Why do rocks change over time?

Accepted Answer

Rocks change over time because of heat, pressure, and weather. These things can make rocks break, move, or even turn into different types of rocks.

Question 8

What is a fossil, and how does it form?

Accepted Answer

A fossil is the remains of plants or animals preserved in rock. Fossils form when plants or animals get buried under mud or sand, which later turns into rock.

Question 9

How does wind cause erosion?

Accepted Answer

Wind causes erosion by blowing tiny bits of sand and soil around, which wear down rocks. It's like a natural sandblaster in the desert!

Question 10

What is the rock cycle?

Accepted Answer

The rock cycle is the way rocks change from one type to another over millions of years. It's a big circle where rocks are made, broken down, and made again.

Question 11

Can plants break rocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plants can break rocks. Plant roots grow into cracks and slowly push rocks apart.

Question 12

What are minerals?

Accepted Answer

Minerals are the tiny building blocks inside rocks. They help give rocks their color and texture.

Question 13

What is a volcano?

Accepted Answer

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's surface that can let out lava, ash, and gases. When a volcano erupts, it can create new rocks.

Question 14

What makes a rock sedimentary?

Accepted Answer

A sedimentary rock forms from tiny pieces of other rocks or things like sand, pebbles, or shells that get pressed together over time.

Question 15

How do igneous rocks form?

Accepted Answer

Igneous rocks form when hot, melted rock cools and hardens. This can happen above ground from lava or underground from magma.

Question 16

What makes a rock metamorphic?

Accepted Answer

A metamorphic rock is made when existing rocks change because of heat and pressure. This can happen deep in the Earth, causing the rocks to be different than they were before.

Question 17

Can ice change rocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ice can change rocks. Water can seep into cracks, freeze, and then expand, which makes the cracks bigger and can break the rock apart.

Question 18

What is weathering?

Accepted Answer

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces. It happens because of wind, water, ice, and even plants and animals.

Question 19

How do rocks help us?

Accepted Answer

Rocks help us in many ways. We use them to build things, they give us minerals and metals, and they even help us learn about the Earth's past.

Question 20

Why are some rocks colorful?

Accepted Answer

Some rocks are colorful because of the different minerals inside them. Each mineral can have a unique color, which makes rocks look interesting and pretty.

The Life Cycle of a Rock: From Formation to Erosion - 20 FAQs Explained Simply