Controls of Weathering Quiz

What is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces by physical forces?

• Emotional weathering

• Chemical weathering

• Biological weathering

• Mechanical weathering

Answer explanation

Mechanical weathering is the process of rocks and minerals being broken down into smaller pieces by physical forces.

Abdulla, Mohammed, and Rayan were studying about physical weathering. They were discussing an example of physical weathering. Can you help them by giving an example of physical weathering?

• Animal activity

• Chemical reaction

• Volcanic eruption

• Freeze-thaw cycles

Answer explanation

Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. An example of physical weathering is freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

Abdulla, Mohammed, and Rayan were studying about chemical weathering. They came across a common type of chemical weathering. Name this type.

• Hydration

• Combustion

• Condensation

• Freezing

Answer explanation

The common type of chemical weathering mentioned in the question is hydration. Hydration involves the reaction of minerals with water, leading to the breakdown of rocks. It is an important process in chemical weathering.

How do living organisms contribute to the process of weathering?

• By processes such as root wedging, burrowing, and organic acid release.

• By building structures that protect the land

• By creating barriers that prevent erosion

• By reducing the amount of rainfall in an area

Answer explanation

Living organisms contribute to weathering through processes like root wedging, burrowing, and organic acid release.

Abdulla, Mohammed, and Rayan were discussing examples of biological weathering. Provide an example of biological weathering.

• Volcanic eruption breaking rocks

• Rainfall eroding soil

• Plant roots growing into cracks in rocks

• Wind blowing sand against a mountain

Answer explanation

Biological weathering is exemplified by plant roots growing into cracks in rocks.

What is hydrolysis in the context of weathering?

• Chemical breakdown of minerals by reaction with heat

• Physical breakdown of minerals by reaction with air

• Chemical breakdown of minerals by reaction with water

• Formation of minerals by reaction with water

Answer explanation

Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of minerals by reaction with water.

How does hydrolysis contribute to the breakdown of rocks and minerals?

• By evaporating water to solidify minerals

• By increasing the temperature of rocks and minerals

• By attracting more water to the rocks and minerals

• By reacting with water to break down minerals

Answer explanation

Hydrolysis breaks down minerals by reacting with water.

What is carbonation and how does it impact weathering?

• Carbonation is a type of volcanic activity that leads to weathering

• Carbonation is a type of precipitation that causes erosion

• Carbonation is a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and minerals in rocks, leading to the formation of carbonic acid. This acid can dissolve the minerals in the rocks, causing weathering.

• Carbonation is a type of sedimentary rock that is resistant to weathering

Answer explanation

Carbonation is a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and minerals in rocks, forming carbonic acid. This acid dissolves minerals, causing weathering.

Abdulla, Rayan, and Mohammed were exploring a cave when they witnessed an example of carbonation in action. Which of the following scenarios best represents carbonation?

• Baking soda reacting with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide

• Formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves due to water dripping from the ceiling

• Rusting of iron due to exposure to air and water

• Caves being formed by the dissolution of limestone by carbonic acid

Answer explanation

Carbonation refers to the formation of caves by the dissolution of limestone through carbonic acid, making the correct choice.