Which is least affected by chemical weathering?(1 point)
Responses
a pile of tiles made of feldspar
a pile of tiles made of feldspar
a statue made of marble
a statue made of marble
a bridge made of iron rods
a bridge made of iron rods
a chair made of plastic
a chair made of plastic
To determine which material is least affected by chemical weathering, we need to understand what chemical weathering is and how it works.
Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks, minerals, and other materials are broken down or altered through chemical reactions. These reactions are often caused by exposure to water, air, or other substances in the environment. As a result, the material's composition can change, leading to erosion or degradation over time.
Now, let's examine the given options and consider which material would be least affected by chemical weathering:
1. A pile of tiles made of feldspar: Feldspar is a common mineral found in many types of rocks. While feldspar can be susceptible to weathering, it does not undergo significant chemical changes under normal environmental conditions. However, if the tiles are exposed to water or other reactive substances for an extended period, some chemical weathering could occur. So, this option is not the correct answer.
2. A statue made of marble: Marble is a type of metamorphic rock composed mainly of calcite, which is a calcium carbonate mineral. Calcite is particularly vulnerable to chemical weathering, especially when exposed to acidic substances. Over time, the acid in rainwater or pollution can dissolve the calcite in marble and cause significant damage. Therefore, a statue made of marble is likely to be affected by chemical weathering.
3. A bridge made of iron rods: Iron is highly susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and oxygen. The chemical reaction between iron, water, and oxygen leads to the formation of iron oxide (rust), which weakens the structural integrity of the metal. Consequently, a bridge made of iron rods is highly affected by chemical weathering.
4. A chair made of plastic: Plastic is a synthetic material that is generally resistant to chemical weathering. It is not easily degraded by exposure to water or oxygen, so it tends to be quite durable in outdoor environments. Therefore, a chair made of plastic would be the least affected by chemical weathering compared to the other options provided.
In summary, the chair made of plastic would be the material least affected by chemical weathering among the given options.