Difference Between Chemical & Physical Weathering

Definition of Physical Weathering

• Physical weathering, also called mechanical weathering, is the process of breaking rock down into smaller pieces of rock with the same physical properties.

Types of Physical Weathering

• Physical weathering can occur a number of ways. Rocks can be broken apart by other material hitting them, plants growing in cracks, and water freezing in the cracks, which causes the rock to break apart.

Definition of Chemical Weathering

• Chemical weathering is a process that changes a rock into another rock with different chemical properties.

Types of Chemical Weathering

• Examples of chemical weathering include oxidation (rusting), hydrolysis and hydration. These processes involve a chemical reaction with elements in the environment and produce a rock with new mineral composition.

Effects of Weathering

• Weathering is a slow process that shapes the entire surface of the Earth. Both chemical and physical weathering work to erode rocks and mountains, create sand and move minerals to new locations in which they can be transformed into sedimentary rocks.