Question

If a body of magma is subjected to fractional crystallization, the first material that is expected to crystallize from the magma, and segregate within the magma chamber will ________.
a. represent the felsic materials present in the magma
b. be identical in chemical composition to the magma
c. represent the mafic materials present in the magma
d. The composition of the rock is not predictable.

Answer 1

Answer: c. represent the mafic materials present in the magma

Explanation:

Fractional crystallization is a rock formation process whereby early forming crystals settle at the bottom of the magma chamber and the magma at the top loses its mineral components thereby becoming more felsic in the process.

 

The components of the magma determine how much reaction can occur as silica is important to catalyzing these reactions. The crystals formed at the beginning of these series of reactions represent the mafic materials in the magma but are more mafic that the magma .