Which one of the following is a source of chemical weathering?
A. The abrasion of running water
B. Water freezing in the cracks of exposed rocks
C. The effects of acid from decaying animals
D. The growth of mosses in the cracks of rocks
i think its b or c i am not sure
The answer is c. b is a "physical" process that does not involve chemical reactions
To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and analyze them:
A. The abrasion of running water: This refers to mechanical weathering, not chemical weathering. Running water can physically wear down rocks by scraping or scouring, but it does not involve any chemical reactions.
B. Water freezing in the cracks of exposed rocks: This is an example of physical weathering, specifically known as frost wedging. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break further. While this process can indirectly contribute to chemical weathering by exposing more surface area for chemical reactions to occur on, it is not a direct source of chemical weathering itself.
C. The effects of acid from decaying animals: This is a source of chemical weathering. Decaying animals release organic acids, which can react with minerals in rocks, causing them to dissolve or break down chemically.
D. The growth of mosses in the cracks of rocks: The growth of mosses in the cracks of rocks is an example of biological weathering. While it can indirectly contribute to chemical weathering by secreting organic acids or physically weakening the rocks through root penetration, it is not a direct source of chemical weathering itself.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: The effects of acid from decaying animals.
To arrive at this answer, it is essential to have an understanding of the different types of weathering processes, such as mechanical (physical), chemical, and biological weathering. Additionally, knowledge of how these processes contribute to the breakdown of rocks is also helpful.