2.5.8

Chemical Weathering

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Chemical Weathering

Weathering is when rocks break down into smaller pieces. There are three types of weathering: physical, chemical and biological.

Illustrative background for Chemical weatheringIllustrative background for Chemical weathering ?? "content

Chemical weathering

  • Chemical weathering is caused by rain water reacting with the rocks.
  • This is often the case when the water is acidic.
Illustrative background for CarbonationIllustrative background for Carbonation ?? "content

Carbonation

  • Rainwater is somewhat acidic.
    • This is due to dissolved carbon dioxide.
  • This dissolves limestone.
  • This process is how caves are formed.
Illustrative background for Acid rainIllustrative background for Acid rain ?? "content

Acid rain

  • Acid rain is caused by dissolved sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
  • These pollutant gases are often released from factories.
  • They mix with the water in the clouds.
  • This makes the water more acidic.
  • This acid rain damages statues and buildings.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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