What process describes the breakdown of rocks by physical forces such as freezing and cracking?

What process describes the breakdown of rocks by physical forces such as freezing and cracking?

• A. Erosion
• B. Chemical weathering
• C. Biological weathering
• D. Weathering (physical weathering)

Answer: (D)

Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces by mechanical forces rather than chemical changes. In cold climates, water enters cracks, freezes, and expands, which pushes the rock apart. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles gradually pry the rock apart until fragments break off. This is different from chemical weathering, where minerals chemically react and change composition. Erosion is about moving weathered material away, not the initial breakup. So the process described is physical weathering.

Physical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces by mechanical forces rather than chemical changes. In cold climates, water enters cracks, freezes, and expands, which pushes the rock apart. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles gradually pry the rock apart until fragments break off. This is different from chemical weathering, where minerals chemically react and change composition. Erosion is about moving weathered material away, not the initial breakup. So the process described is physical weathering.