The range of Mohs scale of hardness is
- A0-10
- B0-14
- C1-10Correct
- D1-14
Solution
Concept
The Mohs scale is a standard way to measure the hardness of minerals by seeing which mineral can scratch another.
Step-by-step solution
1. Hardness is the ability of a material to resist scratching or surface wear. 2. In 1812, Friedrich Mohs created a scale using 10 specific minerals. 3. The softest mineral is Talc, which is given a value of 1. 4. The hardest natural mineral is Diamond, which is given a value of 10. 5. Therefore, the scale starts at 1 and ends at 10. Answer: (C) 1-10
Explanation
The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). It is a relative scale, meaning a higher number can scratch any mineral with a lower number. For example, Quartz (7) can scratch Calcite (3).
Why the other options are wrong
A: The scale starts at 1, not 0. B: The scale ends at 10 and does not go up to 14 (14 is common for pH scales). D: The scale ends at 10, not 14.
Shortcut
Remember: 'The Girls Can Flirt And Other Queer Things Can Do' (Talc, Gypsum, Calcite, Fluorite, Apatite, Orthoclase, Quartz, Topaz, Corundum, Diamond).
Common mistake
Students often think the scale starts at 0, but the softest mineral (Talc) is assigned the number 1.
Correct answer: C) 1-10