Weathering Wonders Quiz

What is physical weathering?

• The breakdown of rocks through chemical changes.

• The process by which rocks are broken down by physical factors like wind and water.

• The transportation of sediment by erosion.

• The change in phase of water within rocks.

Answer explanation

Physical weathering is the process of rocks being broken down by physical factors like wind and water.

Which of the following is an example of chemical weathering?

• Ice wedging

• Abrasion by sand particles

• Oxidation of minerals in rock

• Salt crystal growth

Answer explanation

Chemical weathering occurs when minerals in rock undergo oxidation. This process breaks down the rock and is an example of chemical weathering.

What is erosion?

• The process of depositing sediment in new locations.

• The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces.

• The movement of sediment from one place to another.

• The chemical change that rocks undergo.

Answer explanation

Erosion is the movement of sediment from one place to another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is a weathering agent?

• Gravity

• Temperature

• Water

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Weathering agents include gravity, temperature, and water. These factors can cause physical and chemical changes to rocks and minerals, leading to their breakdown and erosion. In this case, all of the above choices are correct.

What type of weathering involves the reaction of water with minerals to form new minerals?

• Physical weathering

• Chemical weathering

• Biological weathering

• Mechanical weathering

Answer explanation

Chemical weathering involves the reaction of water with minerals to form new minerals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

How does temperature contribute to physical weathering?

• By causing minerals to dissolve

• Through the expansion and contraction of rocks

• By oxidizing minerals

• By transporting sediment

Answer explanation

Temperature contributes to physical weathering through the expansion and contraction of rocks.

Which of the following is NOT a type of physical weathering?

• Frost wedging

• Exfoliation

• Hydrolysis

• Thermal expansion

Answer explanation

Hydrolysis is not a type of physical weathering. Physical weathering includes frost wedging, exfoliation, and thermal expansion.

What effect does weathering have on the Earth's surface?

• It causes the Earth to expand.

• It contributes to the formation of soil.

• It increases the size of rocks.

• It prevents erosion.

Answer explanation

Weathering contributes to the formation of soil on Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is an example of erosion?

• The cracking of rocks due to plant roots.

• The movement of sand by wind in a desert.

• The dissolving of limestone by acidic rainwater.

• The growth of salt crystals in cracks of rocks.

Answer explanation

Erosion is exemplified by the movement of sand by wind in a desert.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What role do plants play in weathering?

• They protect the rock surface from weathering.

• They have no effect on weathering.

• They contribute to chemical weathering by releasing acidic substances.

• They contribute to physical weathering by root growth breaking rocks.

Answer explanation

Plants contribute to physical weathering by breaking rocks with root growth.