Mechanical and Chemical Weathering Review

What is weathering in the context of Earth's geological processes?

• The process by which rocks are heated to form magma

• The process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces due to environmental factors

• The process by which soil is transported from one location to another

• The process by which rocks are compressed into sedimentary layers

Which of the following is NOT listed as an environmental factor that contributes to weathering?

• Water

• Air

• Ultraviolet radiation

• Temperature changes

What is physical weathering also known as?

• Chemical decomposition

• Mechanical weathering

• Biological weathering

• Erosion

Which process is an example of physical weathering?

• Oxidation

• Dissolution

• Abrasion

• Hydrolysis

What does chemical weathering involve?

• Breaking rocks into smaller pieces without chemical change

• The alteration of rocks through chemical reactions

• Physical changes due to temperature

• Erosion by wind and water

Which of the following is NOT an example of chemical weathering?

• Oxidation

• Frost action

• Hydrolysis

• Dissolution

What is frost action in the context of physical weathering?

• Water seeps into rocks, boils, and evaporates, leaving salt crystals that break the rock.

• Water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to crack.

• Acidic water seeps into rocks and dissolves them, causing erosion.

• Rocks heat up in the sun and split apart due to thermal stress.

What causes abrasion in physical weathering?

• Chemical reactions between rock minerals and pollutants in the air.

• The growth of plants and roots pushing through rock layers.

• Rocks rubbing against each other due to wind or water currents, leading to erosion.

• Sudden temperature changes causing rocks to shatter.

How does thermal expansion contribute to physical weathering?

• Water expands when heated, causing rock to erode from within.

• Rocks absorb heat from the sun, causing them to melt and reform.

• Heating and cooling of rocks cause them to expand and contract, leading to cracking.

• Thermal energy causes chemical reactions that weaken rocks.

What does physical weathering contribute to the formation of?

• Volcanoes

• Rivers

• Cliffs, talus slopes, and boulder fields

• Forests