The correct distinction between chemical weathering and physical weathering is:
- Chemical weathering forms new substances, while physical weathering does not.
Chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that change the mineral composition of the rocks, often resulting in the formation of new minerals and substances. On the other hand, physical weathering (also known as mechanical weathering) involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without altering their chemical composition.
Here’s a brief overview of the other options:
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Chemical weathering involves plants and animals, while physical weathering does not: While biological activity can play a role in both types of weathering, physical weathering is not dependent on biological factors.
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Chemical weathering results in the breakdown of rock, while physical weathering does not: This is misleading. Both types of weathering result in the breakdown of rocks; the difference lies in how they do so.
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Chemical weathering requires a reaction with water, while physical weathering does not: While water often plays a role in chemical weathering (as a solvent or reactant), physical weathering can occur through processes like freeze-thaw cycles or abrasion, without needing a chemical reaction involving water.
Therefore, the key difference is that chemical weathering contributes to the formation of new substances, whereas physical weathering simply reduces the size of the existing materials.
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