Earth's Energy Systems Unit Test
9 of 139 of 13 Items
Question
Which is least affected by chemical weathering?(1 point)
Responses
a bridge made of iron rods
a bridge made of iron rods
a statue made of marble
a statue made of marble
a chair made of plastic
a chair made of plastic
a pile of tiles made of feldspar
a pile of tiles made of feldspar
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a pile of tiles made of feldspar
The correct response is: a pile of tiles made of feldspar.
To determine which material is least affected by chemical weathering, we need to understand what chemical weathering is and how it affects different materials.
Chemical weathering is the breakdown or decomposition of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions with substances such as water, acids, or gases in the environment. It causes changes in the composition and structure of the materials, leading to their deterioration or disintegration over time.
Now, let's analyze each option:
1. A bridge made of iron rods: Iron is susceptible to chemical weathering, especially when exposed to water and oxygen. Over time, iron can rust and corrode, weakening the structure of the bridge.
2. A statue made of marble: Marble is composed mainly of calcite, which is a type of mineral that is relatively reactive to acids. Acid rain, for example, can cause chemical weathering of marble statues, leading to surface dissolution and loss of details.
3. A chair made of plastic: Plastic materials, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are highly resistant to chemical weathering. They are generally inert and do not react significantly with substances in the environment. Therefore, plastic chairs are least affected by chemical weathering.
4. A pile of tiles made of feldspar: Feldspar is a group of minerals commonly found in rocks such as granite or gneiss. While feldspar is not as reactive as marble or iron, it can still undergo chemical weathering, particularly through hydrolysis reactions with water. Therefore, a pile of tiles made of feldspar would be more affected by chemical weathering compared to a plastic chair.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is:
a chair made of plastic