Question

how does waters freezing point contribute to mechanical weathering? water freezes at 0°c (32°f), contracts as it turns into ice, and forms new minerals that soften the rock. water freezes at 0°c (32°f), reduces its volume, and slowly dissolves the minerals within rocks, weakening them over time. water freezes at 0°c (32°f), remains stable, and prevents the rocks from cracking by filling in gaps. water freezes at 0°c (32°f), expands as it turns into ice, and causes rocks to break apart by increasing pressure in cracks.

Explanation:

Water expands when it freezes. When water in rock cracks freezes, it exerts pressure on the rock, causing it to break apart, which is mechanical weathering. The other options have incorrect physical - property descriptions of water freezing (water expands not contracts when freezing, doesn't dissolve minerals in this context as described in the wrong options, and doesn't prevent cracking but causes it).

Answer:

Water freezes at 0°C (32°F), expands as it turns into ice, and causes rocks to break apart by increasing pressure in cracks.