TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

LOPEZ EXTENSION CAMPUS

Brgy. Villahermosa Lopez, Quezon

Name: Date: 06 / /2023

Instructor: Course/Sec.: BET-

Activity 7: WEATHERING

Theory

Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the
surface of the Earth. Water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and changes in temperature are all
agents of weathering. Once a rock has been broken down, a process called erosion transports the
bits of rock and mineral away. No rock on Earth is hard enough to resist the forces
of weathering and erosion. Weathering and erosion constantly change the rocky landscape of
Earth.
Weathering wears away exposed surfaces over time. The length of exposure often
contributes to how vulnerable a rock is to weathering. Rocks, such as lavas, that are quickly
buried beneath other rocks are less vulnerable to weathering and erosion than rocks that are
exposed to agents such as wind and water. Weathering is often the first step in the production
of soils. Tiny bits of weathered minerals mix with plants, animal remains, fungi, bacteria, and
other organisms.
Weathering is often divided into the processes of physical weathering and chemical
weathering. Biological weathering, in which living, or once-living organisms contribute
to weathering, can be a part of both processes.

Materials
Chalk
Coarse salt
Plastic container with lid
Vinegar
Beaker

Physical Weathering
Procedure:
 Sketch the chalk.
 Place the chalk in the plastic container.
 Put a teaspoon of coarse salt in a plastic container with a small piece of chalk.
 Set the timer and place the lid securely on the container.
 Shake for two minutes.
 Observe the chalk after shaking and compare it to the chalk before it was shaken with salt.

Chalk before the experiment: Chalk after the experiment:

 TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
LOPEZ EXTENSION CAMPUS
Brgy. Villahermosa Lopez, Quezon

Questions:
1.) What is the appearance or texture of the chalk before putting in the salt?

2.) What happened to the chalk after putting salt on it?

Chemical Weathering
Procedure:
 Put the vinegar in the beaker.
 Place the chalk into the vinegar for 5 minutes. Observe what will happen and record your
observations.

Questions:
1) What happened to the chalk upon putting on vinegar?

DISCUSSION: Physical and Chemical Weathering

1) Explain how this activity is considered as simulation of physical and chemical weathering. You
may cite examples or evidence from your observation that would help explicate accurately the
relationship of your activity to weathering.