Which of the following is NOT an example of chemical weathering?
A. The hydrolysis of potassium feldspar to kaolinite.
B. The breaking of a rock into pieces by freezing and thawing of water.
C. The oxidation of iron silicates in a basalt.
D. The dissolution of calcite in water.
E. All of these are examples of physical weathering.
The answer is: B. The breaking of rock into pieces by frizzing and thawing of water.
What is chemical weathering?
Chemical weathering is the weakening and subsequent disintegration of rock by chemical reactions. These reactions include oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation. These processes either form or destroy minerals, thus altering the nature of the rock's mineral composition.