Which of the following is composed of the coarsest-grained particles? Group of answer choicesClaystoneSandstoneSiltstoneMudstone

To determine which of the given rock types is composed of the coarsest-grained particles, we need to understand the classification of sedimentary rocks based on particle size. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

1. Claystone: This type of rock is composed of very fine-grained particles (clay), which are less than 0.002 mm in diameter.

2. Mudstone: Similar to claystone, mudstone is made up of fine-grained particles, primarily silt and clay. It can contain some clay-sized particles but is generally not considered coarse.

3. Siltstone: This rock consists of silt-sized particles, which range from 0.002 mm to 0.062 mm. Silt is coarser than clay but finer than sand.

4. Sandstone: Sandstone is composed of sand-sized particles, which range from 0.062 mm to 2 mm in diameter. Sand is the coarsest particle size among the given options.

Conclusion

Among the options provided, Sandstone is composed of the coarsest-grained particles. Thus, the answer is: Sandstone.