Description
The rock cycle has been the subject of study for many years. A key component to the rock cycle is the mechanical and chemical erosion of rocks. With this kit students learn about the rock cycle and the significance of certain types of erosion. The kit also provides an opportunity for students to investigate acid rain and other environmental factors that can be influenced by human actions. Also included is a demonstration to help students visualize the freezing and thawing action of water on rocks. With multiple activities, this kit is sure to keep students engaged throughout the entire experiment.
Specifications
What’s Included:
- 1 Plaster of Paris, 350 g
- 1 1 M Hydrochloric Acid, 30 mL
- 50 Limestone Pieces
- 50 Granite Pieces
- 50 Sandstone Pieces
- 4 Plastic Cups
- 50 Plastic Bottles with Caps
- 2 Balloons
- 20 Disposable Pipets
- 50 Plastic Trays
Weathering is the mechanical and chemical hammer that breaks down and sculpts the rocks. Erosion transports the fragments away.
What is the chemical and mechanical breakdown of rocks?
Weathering is the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earths surface. Once a rock has been broken down, a process called erosion transports the bits of rock and minerals away. Water, acids, salt, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all agents of weathering and erosion
What is mechanical and chemical erosion?
What is chemical erosion called?
Chemical weathering describes the process of chemicals in rainwater making changes to the minerals in a rock.
Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition. Ice wedging and abrasion are two important processes of mechanical weathering. Chemical weathering breaks down rocks by forming new minerals that are stable at the Earth’s surface.
How do mechanical and chemical weathering of rocks work together?
Mechanical weathering increases the overall surface area when it breaks down the rock into smaller fragments. Increased surface area provides more surface for chemical weathering to attack the rock, allowing chemical weathering to speed up.
What are the 3 types of weathering?
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks at the Earth’s surface, by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity. It does not involve the removal of rock material. There are three types of weathering, physical, chemical and biological.
What are the 4 main causes of weathering?
Weathering breaks down the Earth’s surface into smaller pieces. Those pieces are moved in a process called erosion, and deposited somewhere else. Weathering can be caused by wind, water, ice, plants, gravity, and changes in temperature.