Types of Weathering: Physical and Chemical Processes Explained

Question 1

Which of the following processes involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without altering their chemical composition?

Accepted Answer

Physical weathering

Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Exfoliation

Question 2

What type of weathering results from the reaction of rocks with water, oxygen, or carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Abrasion

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Mechanical weathering

Question 3

What is the process by which ice forms in cracks and joints in rocks, causing them to expand and break apart?

Accepted Answer

Frost shattering

Answer

Carbonation

Answer

Exfoliation

Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 4

Which type of chemical weathering occurs when rainwater reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form carbonic acid?

Accepted Answer

Carbonation

Answer

Hydrolysis

Answer

Oxidation

Answer

Solution

Question 5

Which of the following is a potential negative impact of weathering?

Accepted Answer

Soil erosion

Answer

Mineral deposit formation

Answer

Sand dune formation

Answer

Formation of rock formations

Question 6

Which type of weathering is responsible for the formation of caves in soluble rocks, such as limestone?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Physical weathering

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Exfoliation

Question 7

What is a characteristic of spheroidal weathering?

Accepted Answer

Formation of rounded boulders

Answer

Formation of sharp edges

Answer

Formation of deep cracks

Answer

Formation of flaking layers

Question 8

Which of the following is a type of physical weathering that involves the breakdown of rocks by the expansion of water freezing in cracks?

Accepted Answer

Frost shattering

Answer

Abrasion

Answer

Oxidation

Answer

Hydrolysis

Question 9

What type of weathering is most commonly associated with chemical reactions that break down rocks?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Mechanical weathering

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Aeolian weathering

Question 10

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the rate of chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Rock type

Answer

Surface area

Answer

Temperature

Question 11

In what role does water primarily act during chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

As a solvent and a catalyst

Answer

As a physical weathering agent

Answer

Water plays no significant role in chemical weathering

Answer

As a transporter of weathered material

Question 12

Which of the following is a common product of chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

Clay minerals

Answer

Gravel

Answer

Limestone

Answer

Sand

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of biological weathering?

Accepted Answer

Plant roots expanding within rock fractures

Answer

Acid rain

Answer

Wind abrasion

Answer

Water freezing in rock cracks

Question 14

What is the fundamental distinction between physical and chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

Physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by physical forces, while chemical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions.

Answer

Chemical weathering only occurs in wet environments

Answer

Physical weathering is always faster than chemical weathering.

Question 15

Which of the following is a significant consequence of weathering?

Accepted Answer

The formation of soil

Answer

The depletion of atmospheric oxygen

Answer

The rise in sea levels

Question 16

How does weathering contribute to the ongoing geological processes that shape the Earth's surface, as represented in the rock cycle?

Accepted Answer

Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, which can then be transported and deposited to form new rocks.

Answer

Weathering creates entirely new minerals

Answer

Weathering only occurs on the surface of the Earth

Question 17

Which of these factors does NOT directly influence the rate of weathering?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH

Answer

Temperature fluctuations

Answer

Exposed rock surface

Answer

Amount of rainfall

Question 18

Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Mechanical weathering

Answer

Physical weathering

Question 19

Which of the following is a process of chemical weathering?

Accepted Answer

Acid rain dissolving limestone

Answer

A river eroding its banks

Answer

Frost shattering a pavement

Answer

Onion-skin weathering of granite

Question 20

While several factors contribute, which type of weathering plays a key role in the formation of sand dunes?

Accepted Answer

Physical weathering

Answer

Solution weathering

Answer

Biological weathering

Answer

Chemical weathering

Question 21

How does frost shattering break down rocks?

Accepted Answer

Water expands when it freezes in cracks, putting pressure on the rock.

Answer

Freezing temperatures cause the minerals in the rock to contract and fracture.

Answer

Ice crystals chemically react with the minerals in the rock.

Answer

Strong winds carrying ice particles wear away at the rock's surface.

Question 22

Which of these factors would likely accelerate the weathering of a rock face?

Accepted Answer

Increased surface area exposed to the elements

Answer

The presence of hard minerals like quartz

Answer

Consistently cold temperatures

Answer

Low rainfall in the area

Question 23

Which of these is an example of biological weathering?

Accepted Answer

Tree roots growing into cracks and breaking apart a rock

Answer

Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing water in a crack

Answer

The chemical breakdown of feldspar into clay minerals

Answer

Exfoliation due to pressure release on a rock

Question 24

What type of weathering is the primary force behind the formation of limestone caves?

Accepted Answer

Chemical weathering, particularly by acidic water

Answer

Physical weathering, such as frost shattering

Answer

Biological weathering from burrowing animals

Answer

Abrasion by wind-blown sand particles