Chapter 6, Problem 1GST

To determine

The way in which the two major categories of weathering are represented in the given image of human-made objects.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The broken glass pieces in the image portray mechanical weathering, and the rusted metallic cans depict chemical weathering.

Explanation of Solution

Weathering may be defined as the “physical breakdown and chemical alteration of rocks at or near to the Earth’s surface.” Weathering could be divided into two significant types namely the mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

Mechanical weathering pertains to the disintegration of rocks into simpler and smaller particles without promoting alteration in the mineral chemistry of the undergoing rocks. The weathering of rocks that encompasses the chemical conversion of rocks into one or more newer products is termed as chemical weathering.

The image provided shows broken glass pieces and corroded metallic cans. The broken glass pieces that may be obtained from the breaking of glass bottles represent the mechanical weathering. The pieces of glass have not undergone any chemical alteration than getting broken into small pieces. There are some round-edged glass pieces that show the abrasion which took place through the passage of time.

The corroded and rusted metallic cans represented the chemical weathering where the metallic cans suffered chemical transformation into rust (hydrated iron (III) oxides), when exposed to atmospheric oxygen and moisture for a long period of time.