📚 Topic Summary
Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks on Earth’s surface. There are two main types: physical and chemical weathering. Physical weathering involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. Think of it like crumbling a cookie – you still have a cookie, just in smaller bits. Chemical weathering involves changing the chemical composition of rocks through reactions with substances like water, acids, and gases. This is like dissolving sugar in water – the sugar is still there, but it’s chemically changed.
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
- Terms:
- 🌊 Exfoliation
- 🌱 Oxidation
- 🧊 Frost Wedging
- ⛰️ Weathering
- 🌧️ Hydrolysis
- Definitions:
- A. The breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, waters, and biological organisms.
- B. A chemical weathering process where minerals react with water.
- C. The process where layers of rock peel off, often due to pressure release.
- D. The breaking of rocks caused by the expansion of freezing water in cracks and crevices.
- E. A chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen.
Match the terms and definitions. (Answers below)
🧱 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the paragraph using the words provided:
(carbon dioxide, physical, chemical, surface area, warmer)
__________ weathering breaks down rocks without changing their composition, while __________ weathering alters the rock's chemical makeup. A larger __________ allows for more weathering to occur. __________ temperatures generally increase the rate of chemical weathering. The presence of __________ in rainwater enhances chemical weathering.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how both physical and chemical weathering work together to break down a large mountain over a long period of time.
Answer Key:
Part A:
- 🌊 Exfoliation - C
- 🌱 Oxidation - E
- 🧊 Frost Wedging - D
- ⛰️ Weathering - A
- 🌧️ Hydrolysis - B
Part B:
Physical, chemical, surface area, Warmer, carbon dioxide.