In earth science and geology, the chemical makeup of a rock is defined mainly by the presence and arrangement of which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Rocks are fundamental components of the Earth crust and play a key role in geology. Understanding what rocks are made of chemically helps explain their classification, properties and uses. This question asks what defines the chemical makeup of a rock, focusing on the basic concept that rocks are composed of one or more minerals, which are themselves naturally occurring inorganic substances with definite composition and structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Rocks can be igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic, but all are composed of solid materials.
- Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with definite chemical composition and crystal structure.
- The options include nutrients, minerals, metals and water, which have different roles in Earth systems.
- We consider standard geology definitions used in school and introductory courses.

Concept / Approach:
The chemical makeup of a rock is determined by the minerals it contains. Each mineral has its own specific chemical formula and structure, such as quartz (SiO2) or feldspar, and rocks can be classified by the types and proportions of these minerals. Nutrients and organic materials may be important in soil, and water can be present in rock pores or as bound water, but they do not define the fundamental chemical composition of the rock itself. Metals may be present as minerals or in metallic form in some special cases, but the general term that best describes the basic components of rocks is minerals.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals, which are crystalline substances with definite composition. Step 2: Recognise that quartz, feldspar, mica and calcite are examples of minerals that form common rocks such as granite and limestone. Step 3: Understand that the chemical composition of these minerals, and their relative amounts, determine the overall chemical makeup of the rock. Step 4: Note that nutrients and organic materials are more relevant to soil chemistry than to the composition of solid rock. Step 5: Conclude that minerals are the correct answer, as they are the primary chemical building blocks of rocks.

Verification / Alternative check:
Geology textbooks define a rock as a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids. Classification schemes for igneous rocks, for example, are based on the proportions of minerals like quartz, feldspar and olivine. Sedimentary rocks are often described in terms of mineral content and cementing materials. Even when rocks contain metallic ores, those metals appear as minerals such as hematite or galena. These consistent definitions and classifications confirm that minerals are the key components that make up the chemical nature of rocks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nutrients refer to chemical elements and compounds that organisms need for growth, often present in soils and water, but they do not define the composition of solid rocks. Metals may be present in some rocks, especially ore deposits, but rocks are not defined simply as metals; metals usually occur within mineral structures. Water can fill pores in rocks or exist as bound water in some minerals, but it is not the main defining component for most rocks. Organic food materials are relevant to biology and soil science rather than to the majority of rocks, which are inorganic. Therefore, options A, C, D and E do not correctly describe the chemical makeup of rocks.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse rocks with soil or sediment and think of nutrients, organic matter and water as principal components. Another pitfall is to focus on metallic ores and assume that rocks are primarily metals. To avoid these errors, it helps to recall that rocks are solid and crystalline in nature, built from minerals with definite chemical formulas. Remembering examples like granite, which is composed of quartz, feldspar and mica, can reinforce the correct idea that minerals define the chemical makeup of rocks.

Final Answer:
The chemical makeup of a rock is defined mainly by its Minerals.