Physical weathering can drastically change a landscape. Which of the following is an example of physical weathering?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Iron in rocks reacts with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide, or rust, in a process called oxidation.
Iron in rocks reacts with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide, or rust, in a process called oxidation.

Excess carbon dioxide in the air mixes with water to form acid rain in a process called carbonation that can lead to acidic conditions that can dissolve coral reefs and some types of rocks.
Excess carbon dioxide in the air mixes with water to form acid rain in a process called carbonation that can lead to acidic conditions that can dissolve coral reefs and some types of rocks.

Lichens are symbiotic organisms of algae and fungus that can live on barren rock. They secrete acids that slowly dissolve minerals in the rocks they are attached to.
Lichens are symbiotic organisms of algae and fungus that can live on barren rock. They secrete acids that slowly dissolve minerals in the rocks they are attached to.

Roots of plants can enter cracks in rocks which can cause the rocks to break apart as the plants and roots grow.

Answer 1

The example of physical weathering among the provided responses is:

Roots of plants can enter cracks in rocks which can cause the rocks to break apart as the plants and roots grow.

This process, known as root wedging, is a physical weathering process where the mechanical action of growing plants contributes to the breakdown of rock without any chemical change. The other examples provided involve chemical weathering processes.