Introduction

Weathering is the set of physical and chemical processes that affect the rocks and minerals and that take place on the earth's surface. This action can be physical or chemical, and knowing the difference between the two is important to understand how nature shapes the world around us.

Physical weathering

Physical weathering refers to the action of weather and other factors that cause rocks to break or wear. Examples of physical weathering are:

• Abrasion: It is the wear of a rock by friction with other rocks or materials that are in motion.
• Freezing: When water freezes inside the cracks of a rock and expands, it forces the layers of the rock apart.
• Exfoliation: The expansion and contraction of a rock due to changes in temperature causes its layers to break.

Chemical weathering

Chemical weathering refers to the decomposition and transformation of rocks through the action of chemicals. Some examples of chemical weathering are:

1. Hydrolysis: the reaction of a rock with water, which breaks it down into other minerals.
2. Oxidation: when minerals in a rock react with oxygen in the air to form oxides.
3. Carbonation: the reaction of minerals in a rock with carbon dioxide in the air, producing carbonates.

Conclusion

In summary, physical weathering and chemical weathering are two different but complementary processes that shape our planet's surface. Understanding the difference between the two is essential to understanding how rocks and minerals break down and transform over time.

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• Difference between minerals, rocks and gems
• Layers of the Earth: Crust, Mantle and Core