Question

choose the statement that correctly compares physical weathering and chemical weathering? (1 point)
○ physical weathering and chemical weathering are the same process using different terms.
○ physical weathering forms new substances while chemical weathering does not.
○ chemical weathering forms new substances while physical weathering does not.
○ chemical weathering results in the breakdown of rock while physical weathering does not.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• First option: Physical and chemical weathering are distinct processes (physical involves breaking rock into smaller pieces without changing composition; chemical involves changing rock's chemical composition), so they aren't the same. Eliminate.
• Second option: Physical weathering (e.g., freeze - thaw, abrasion) breaks rock into smaller pieces, no new substances. Chemical weathering (e.g., oxidation, hydrolysis) changes rock's chemistry, forming new substances. So this option has it reversed. Eliminate.
• Third option: Chemical weathering involves reactions that create new substances (e.g., limestone reacting with acid to form new compounds), while physical weathering just breaks rock into smaller fragments without altering its chemical makeup. This is correct.
• Fourth option: Both physical and chemical weathering result in the breakdown of rock (physical into smaller pieces, chemical into different substances or smaller pieces with chemical changes). So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Chemical weathering forms new substances while physical weathering does not.