Students were given three samples of the mineral halite (NaCl). One sample was one single, large block. The other samples were broken, much like you see here, into different sized blocks. Each sample of halite was placed into a plastic container and 20 grams
of pebbles were added. The containers were closed and then shaken for 5 minutes each. Student observations can be seen here:
Physical Weathering
Sample
Observations
large block still intact; some small pieces of halite broken off.
8 blocks broken into 20 smaller pieces.
2 small blocks remain; other blocks ground into small pieces.
What conclusion may be drawn from the experiment?
#1
#2
A)
The rate of weathering is impacted by several factors.
B)
Mechanical weathering is a function of kinetic energy
c)
The more surface area a rock has, the more quickly it will weather.
D)
The rate of physical weathering depends on the mineral composition of the
rock involved