What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?

Question

There is no difference between the two types of weathering.

Mechanical weathering occurs when when rocks are broken down into smaller rocks, and chemical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down by acids, oxygen, or carbon dioxide

Mechanical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down by acids, and chemical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller rocks

Answer 1

The correct distinction between mechanical and chemical weathering is:

Mechanical weathering occurs when rocks are broken down into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, while chemical weathering involves the alteration of minerals within the rocks due to chemical reactions, often caused by acids, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.

In summary:

• Mechanical Weathering: Physical processes (such as freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and pressure release) break rocks into smaller fragments without altering their mineral content.

• Chemical Weathering: Chemical reactions (such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and carbonation) change the minerals in the rocks, resulting in new minerals and soluble substances.