What is least affected by chemical weathering?
A. A chair made of plastic
B. A statue made of marble
C. A bridge made of irons rods
D. A pile of tiles made of feldspar
A. A chair made of plastic
To determine what is least affected by chemical weathering, we need to understand what chemical weathering is and how different materials react to it.
Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks, minerals, and other substances through chemical reactions. It occurs when minerals within a material react with various chemicals in their environment, such as water, oxygen, acids, or other substances, leading to their decomposition or alteration.
Now, let's consider the options:
A. A chair made of plastic:
Plastic is a synthetic material that is generally resistant to chemical reactions. Chemical weathering has little to no effect on plastic because it is not composed of minerals that can easily react with chemicals. Therefore, plastic is typically least affected by chemical weathering.
B. A statue made of marble:
Marble is a natural stone composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is susceptible to chemical weathering since the calcium carbonate can react with acids in the rain or pollutants in the air. Over time, marble can undergo dissolution and other chemical changes, leading to its degradation.
C. A bridge made of iron rods:
Iron is a metal that is susceptible to chemical weathering, particularly through a process called oxidation. When iron reacts with oxygen and water, it forms iron oxide or rust. This rusting process weakens the iron rods, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the bridge. Therefore, iron rods are affected by chemical weathering.
D. A pile of tiles made of feldspar:
Feldspar is a mineral commonly found in rocks, and it can be subject to chemical weathering. Depending on the specific chemical and environmental conditions, feldspar can undergo alteration or dissolution. Therefore, feldspar tiles are affected by chemical weathering.
Considering the options above, the answer would be A. A chair made of plastic as it is least affected by chemical weathering due to its resistance to chemical reactions.