Question

choose the correct answer.
which of these describes physical weathering?
plants, lichens, and mosses breaking down rocks
rocks being broken down by freezing and thawing
minerals in rocks being broken down chemically

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Plants, lichens, and mosses breaking down rocks is biological weathering, not physical.
• Option 2: Rocks being broken down by freezing and thawing is a physical process (freeze - thaw action) that breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, which is physical weathering.
• Option 3: Minerals in rocks being broken down chemically is chemical weathering.

Answer:

B. rocks being broken down by freezing and thawing (assuming the options are labeled A, B, C with A as "plants, lichens, and mosses breaking down rocks", B as "rocks being broken down by freezing and thawing", C as "minerals in rocks being broken down chemically")