What is the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Weathering?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between physical and chemical weathering lies in the processes involved and the changes they cause in the rock. Here are the key differences:
- Physical Weathering: This type of weathering breaks down rocks without altering their composition. It occurs when rock is broken through the force of another substance on the rock, such as running water, wind, rapid heating/cooling, or plant growth. Physical weathering works with mechanical forces, such as friction and impact. Some examples of physical weathering include water movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and root growth.
- Chemical Weathering: This type of weathering occurs when reactions between rock and another substance dissolve the rock, causing parts of it to fall away. Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of the rock and takes place at the molecular level with the exchange of ions and cations. Some examples of chemical weathering include oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation.
In summary, physical weathering breaks down rocks mechanically without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of rocks through various chemical reactions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Weathering? Comparative Table: Physical vs Chemical Weathering
Comparative Table: Physical vs Chemical Weathering
Here is a table comparing the differences between physical and chemical weathering:
| Feature | Physical Weathering | Chemical Weathering |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition. | The alteration of a rock's chemical composition. |
| Process | Involves mechanical forces such as friction, impact, wind, water, gravity, and root growth. | Involves chemical reactions between rock and substances like water, oxygen, and acids. |
| Examples | - Waves crashing against rocks. - Roots expanding into existing cracks. |
- Oxidation of iron in rocks, forming rust. - Hydrolysis, where a rock absorbs water into its chemical structure. |
| Effect | Breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition. | Weakens rocks and makes them more vulnerable to physical weathering. |
| Landscape Changes | Causes landforms to weaken and change shape over time. | Contributes to the formation of new landforms, such as the green color of claystone in Blue Basin. |
Read more:
- Chemical Weathering vs Mechanical Weathering
- Physical vs Chemical Change
- Erosion vs Weathering
- Chemical vs Physical Reaction
- Physical vs Chemical Digestion
- Chemical vs Physical Properties
- Physical vs Chemical Equilibrium
- Chemical vs Detrital Sedimentary Rocks
- Physical vs Biological Science
- Physical vs Chemical Cross Linking
- Chemical vs Physical Sunscreen
- Crystallization vs Precipitation
- Erosion vs Corrosion
- Chemical vs Biochemical Reactions
- Metamorphic Rocks vs Sedimentary Rocks
- Mechanical Digestion vs Chemical Digestion
- Geography vs Geology
- Rock vs Mineral
- Nuclear Reaction vs Chemical Reaction