|Question 25Verbal

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While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a ten-point scale that orders minerals by hardness based on their ability to scratch other minerals.
• Minerals with larger numbers are harder than minerals with smaller numbers and can leave visible scratches on them.
• Minerals with smaller numbers are softer than minerals with lager numbers and cannot leave visible scratches on them.
• The mineral calcite has a Mohs scale number of 3.
• The mineral apatite has a Mohs scale number of 5.
• The mineral topaz has a Mohs scale number of 8.
The student wants to explain how hard apatite is in relation to other minerals. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
In the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, topaz (8) is ranked higher than calcite (3).
A
Calcite, topaz, and apatite can be ordered by their ability to leave visible scratches on other minerals.
B
Topaz has a Mohs scale number of 8, which means that it can scratch not only calcite but also apatite.
C
Apatite has a Mohs scale number of 5, which means that it is harder than calcite (3) but softer than topaz (8).
D