Which statement correctly describes how hydrolysis causes chemical weathering?
A. Water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce carbonic acid, weakening the rock.
B. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce clay, weakening the rock.
C. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce carbonic acid, weakening the rock.
D. Water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce clay, weakening the rock.
C. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce carbonic acid, weakening the rock.
To determine which statement correctly describes how hydrolysis causes chemical weathering, let's examine each option:
A. Water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce carbonic acid, weakening the rock.
B. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce clay, weakening the rock.
C. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce carbonic acid, weakening the rock.
D. Water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce clay, weakening the rock.
To understand the correct answer, we need to understand what hydrolysis and chemical weathering are.
Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water molecules react with other substances to break them down into smaller components. In the context of weathering, hydrolysis involves water reacting with minerals in rocks, leading to the alteration or breakdown of the minerals.
Chemical weathering is the process by which the composition of rocks and minerals changes due to chemical reactions with water and other substances in the environment.
Now, let's analyze the options:
A. This option suggests that water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is formed when water combines with carbon dioxide (CO2). However, this answer incorrectly states that carbonic acid weakens the rock, when in reality, it contributes to the dissolution and erosion of rocks.
B. This option proposes that water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce clay, weakening the rock. While clay minerals may be formed through chemical weathering, hydrolysis, in particular, does not directly produce clay. Additionally, this option does not mention the reaction with minerals in rocks, which is essential in hydrolysis.
C. This option correctly states that water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce carbonic acid. Carbonic acid, formed when CO2 dissolves in water, is one of the key agents in hydrolysis. As such, it contributes to the weakening of the rock.
D. This option suggests that water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce clay, weakening the rock. This accurately describes one of the outcomes of hydrolysis. When water reacts with certain minerals, such as feldspar, it can lead to the formation of clay minerals, which alter the structure and composition of the rocks. This process weakens the rock over time.
Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is option D: Water reacts with minerals in rocks to produce clay, weakening the rock.