Question

Water plays an important role in the chemical weathering of rock. In 3–5 sentences, identify and explain two agents of chemical weathering to support that statement.(4 points)
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Answer 1

Water acts as a solvent in chemical weathering, facilitating reactions that break down minerals in rocks. One agent of chemical weathering is **carbonic acid**, which forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, leading to the dissolution of calcite in limestone. Another agent is **oxygen**, which causes oxidation reactions, such as the rusting of iron-bearing minerals in rocks, resulting in the disintegration of the rock structure. Through these processes, water enhances the breakdown and transformation of rocks into soil and other materials.