How does the Sun contribute to physical weathering?

Question

Minerals in rocks heat and expand at different rates, which causes rocks to break.
When water is heated, it expands, which causes rocks to break.
The Sun has no effect on the physical weathering of rocks.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: Minerals in rocks heat and expand at different rates, which causes rocks to break.

The Sun contributes to physical weathering primarily through temperature fluctuations. When rocks are exposed to sunlight, the minerals within them can heat up and expand at different rates. This differential expansion can create stress within the rock, leading to fractures and eventually causing the rock to break apart. This process is often referred to as thermal stress weathering.