Shear Stress and Mineral Orientation Excitement!
How will minerals orient when a rock is put under shear stress?
(A) parallel to the direction of the shear stress
(B) oblique to the direction of the shear stress
(C) perpendicular to the direction of the shear stress
(D) random to the direction of the shear stress
Final answer: Minerals in a rock will orient b. oblique to the direction of shear stress.
Answer:
When a rock is put under shear stress, the minerals in the rock will orient themselves oblique to the direction of the shear stress. This means that they will align at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the shear stress.
When a rock is subjected to shear stress, the minerals within the rock will align themselves in a specific orientation to resist deformation and maintain the structural integrity of the rock. This alignment of minerals oblique to the direction of shear stress allows the rock to better withstand the external forces acting upon it.
Understanding how minerals in a rock orient themselves under shear stress is crucial in the field of geology as it helps geologists analyze and interpret the behavior of rocks in response to tectonic forces and other natural processes.
Shear stress plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's crust, and the orientation of minerals within rocks provides valuable insights into the history and geological processes that have influenced the formation of different rock formations.