What Is the Process of Rock Breaking Down Physically?

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 the process of rock breaking down physically but not chemically?

Mechanical Weathering. Mechanical weathering (also called physical weathering) breaks rock into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces are just like the bigger rock, just smaller. That means the rock has changed physically without changing its composition.

What is physical weathering process?

Physical weathering is caused by the effects of changing temperature on rocks, causing the rock to break apart. The process is sometimes assisted by water. ... Freeze-thaw occurs when water continually seeps into cracks, freezes and expands, eventually breaking the rock apart.