What are agents of physical weathering? Choose all that apply.

plants

ice (the cycle of freezing and thawing)

water (liquid)

acid

1 answer

The agents of physical weathering include:

  1. Plants - They can contribute to physical weathering through root growth, which can crack rocks.

  2. Ice (the cycle of freezing and thawing) - This is a significant process in physical weathering, as water expands when it freezes, causing rocks to fracture.

  3. Water (liquid) - While water itself is often associated with chemical weathering, it can also contribute to physical weathering through processes like erosion and hydraulic action.

Acid does not contribute to physical weathering; it is primarily associated with chemical weathering processes.

So, the correct answers are:

  • Plants
  • Ice (the cycle of freezing and thawing)
  • Water (liquid)