Weathering

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What is weathering?

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Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering is the breaking down of rocks through chemical reactions, often involving water and substances in the environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is physical weathering?

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Physical weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, often due to temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or pressure.

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What is oxidation in the context of weathering?

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Oxidation is a type of chemical weathering where a substance combines with oxygen, leading to changes such as rust formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

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What is frost wedging?

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Frost wedging is a physical weathering process where water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and causes the rock to break apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What role does acid rain play in weathering?

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Acid rain is a form of chemical weathering that occurs when rainwater becomes acidic, leading to the dissolution of minerals in rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What is the difference between erosion and weathering?

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Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken pieces from one location to another.

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What is an example of biological weathering?

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An example of biological weathering is lichens growing on rocks, which can produce acids that break down the rock.

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How does temperature affect physical weathering?

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Temperature changes can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to cracks and eventual breaking apart of the rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the significance of weathering in the rock cycle?

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Weathering is crucial in the rock cycle as it breaks down rocks into soil and sediments, which can lead to the formation of new rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1