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.

Answer 1

Hydrolysis: water molecules chemically react with minerals (especially silicates), breaking bonds and converting hard minerals like feldspar into softer clay minerals and soluble ions that are washed away. Carbonation: rainwater absorbs CO2 to form weak carbonic acid, which dissolves carbonate rocks (e.g., CaCO3 in limestone) into soluble bicarbonate ions, producing features like sinkholes and caves. Both processes show water acting as a reactant and solvent that alters mineral chemistry and carries away dissolved products, progressively weakening and breaking down rock.