How does time affect physical weathering of a rock rock weathers the most when first exposed and more slowly, over time The Rock will become flats slowing the rate of physical weathering ,the longer The Rock has been exposed the more it has weathered ,

Question

time does not affect physical weathering only chemical weathering

Answer 1

Time plays a significant role in both physical and chemical weathering processes, but it influences them in different ways:

Physical Weathering

1. Initial Exposure: When a rock is first exposed to the elements (e.g., temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, physical stress), it undergoes rapid physical weathering. For example, the expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations can create cracks.

2. Progression Over Time: As time progresses, the rock can become more stable and may experience less frequent changes in the conditions that cause physical weathering. The rock's surface may become smoothed out as fragments weather away, leading to a decrease in the overall rate of physical weathering.

3. Mechanical Breakdown: Processes such as erosion by wind, water, and ice continue to act on the rock over time, which can still contribute to physical weathering, albeit at different rates depending on the environmental conditions and the type of rock.

Chemical Weathering

• Time also plays a crucial role in chemical weathering. Over extended periods, rocks can undergo significant changes due to chemical reactions (e.g., reaction with water and gases in the environment) which lead to the alteration of minerals and the breakdown of the rock structure. The longer a rock is exposed, the more pronounced these changes can become.

Summary

Overall, while physical weathering can start rapidly after exposure, the rate may slow down as the rock weathers and stabilizes, whereas chemical weathering typically requires longer time periods to manifest significant changes. Thus, time does indeed affect both physical and chemical weathering, though in different ways.