Review - Quiz 7 - Weathering

Which term best identifies the type of weathering represented by A?

• physical

• biological

• chemical

• glacial

Answer explanation

The term 'chemical' best identifies the type of weathering represented by A, as it involves the alteration of minerals through chemical reactions, unlike physical or biological weathering.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Jackson is studying a flowchart about weathering in his geology class. He notices that a certain substance, labeled as X, appears on both sides of the flowchart. Which substance is represented by X on both sides of the flowchart?

• potassium feldspar

• air

• hydrochloric acid

• water

Answer explanation

Water is a key agent in weathering processes, appearing in both physical and chemical weathering stages. It facilitates reactions and transports materials, making it the substance represented by X on both sides of the flowchart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Sufee is studying quartz samples collected from different locations along a stream. She wants to know which quartz sample has probably undergone abrasion in the stream for the longest period of time. Which sample should she choose?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Sample A likely shows the most wear and smoothness, indicating it has been subjected to abrasion in the stream for the longest time compared to the other samples.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Addy notices that the limestone steps outside her house are slowly being worn away by acid rain. Which activity demonstrates chemical weathering?

• freezing of water in the cracks of a sandstone sidewalk

• abrasion of a streambed by tumbling rocks

• grinding of talc into a powder

• dissolving of limestone by acid rain

Answer explanation

The dissolving of limestone by acid rain is a clear example of chemical weathering, as it involves a chemical reaction that alters the mineral composition of the limestone, unlike the other options which involve physical processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Angelina is hiking in a region that receives heavy rainfall and notices an outcrop with different layers of sandstone. She wants to find out which sandstone layer appears to be the least resistant to weathering. Based on the diagram below, which layer should Angelina choose?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Layer B is likely the least resistant to weathering, as it may show signs of erosion or softer texture compared to the other layers. This makes it more susceptible to the effects of heavy rainfall.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Izzy is curious about how soil forms in her backyard. Which processes result in the formation of soil?

• the compaction and cementation of sediments

• the melting and solidification of minerals

• biological activity and the weathering of rocks

• the addition of heat and pressure to bedrock

Answer explanation

Soil forms primarily through biological activity, such as the decomposition of organic matter, and the weathering of rocks, which breaks down minerals and creates the soil structure. This process is essential for soil formation.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Finn & Luca are planning a hiking trip and they want to observe physical weathering caused by frost action. In which climate should they go to most easily see this process?

• dry and hot

• dry and cold

• moist and hot

• moist and cold

Answer explanation

Frost action, a key aspect of physical weathering, occurs in moist and cold climates where water can freeze and expand in rock crevices, causing fragmentation. Thus, Finn & Luca should choose a moist and cold climate to observe this process.

Valentina is studying soil development in different climates. She observes that the rate of soil development in tropical areas is usually greater than the rate of soil development in arctic areas. What is the most likely reason for this difference?

• less chemical weathering and a scarcity of living organisms

• less chemical weathering and an abundance of living organisms

• more chemical weathering and a scarcity of living organisms

• more chemical weathering and an abundance of living organisms

Answer explanation

Tropical areas have higher temperatures and moisture, leading to more chemical weathering and greater biological activity. This results in faster soil development compared to arctic areas, which have less weathering and fewer organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Shahir notices that rocks in his backyard are slowly breaking down into smaller pieces over time. Which process involves either a physical or chemical breakdown of earth materials?

• deposition

• sedimentation

• weathering

• cementing

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process that involves the physical or chemical breakdown of earth materials, such as rocks, into smaller pieces over time, which is exactly what Shahir observes in his backyard.

Leo is conducting an experiment where he places 10 g of powdered limestone in one test tube and 10 g of a single large piece of limestone in another test tube, each containing dilute hydrochloric acid. He observes that the powdered limestone reacts faster, producing more bubbles of CO₂ gas. The most likely reason powdered limestone reacts faster is that it has

• less total volume

• more chemical bonds

• more total surface area

• lower density

Answer explanation

The powdered limestone has more total surface area than the large piece, allowing more acid to react simultaneously. This increased surface area leads to a faster reaction rate and more CO2 gas production.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2