Question

physical & chemical weathering, and soil formation quiz
earth and space science / per: ____
base your answers to questions 1 and 2 on flowchart below, which shows a general overview of the processes and substances involved in the weathering of rocks at earth’s surface. letter x represents an important substance involved in both major types of weathering, labeled a and b on the flowchart. some weathering processes are defined below the flowchart.
(flowchart omitted)
definitions
frost action – the breakup of rocks caused by the expansion of substance x
abrasion – the wearing down of rocks or particles as they rub or bounce against other rocks
exfoliation – the peeling away of large sheets of loosened material at the surface of a rock
hydrolysis – the change in a material caused by contact with substance x
carbonation – the change in a material caused by contact with carbonic acid

1. which substance is represented by x on both sides of the flowchart?

(1) water
(3) hydrochloric acid
(2) potassium feldspar
(4) air

1. which term best identifies the type of weathering represented by a?

(1) biological
(2) glacial
(3) chemical
(4) physical

1. landscapes will undergo the most chemical weathering if the climate is

(1) cool and dry
(3) warm and dry
(2) warm and wet
(4) cool and wet

Explanation:

1. For question 1: Frost action relies on water expanding when it freezes to break rocks, and hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving water. These match the definitions linked to Substance X.
2. For question 2: Type A leads to chemical processes (hydrolysis, carbonation) which are chemical weathering reactions that alter rock composition.
3. For question 3: Chemical weathering requires water for reactions and warm temperatures to speed up chemical reactions, making warm and wet climates ideal.

Answer:

1. (1) water
2. (3) chemical
3. (2) warm and wet