Weathering
Grade 4 · Science · Earth's Changing Surface · Kansas, USA
Lesson Summary
Weathering is the process that breaks rocks into smaller pieces over time. It can be caused by water, wind, ice, or living things.
Explanation
There are two main types of weathering: physical and chemical. Physical weathering breaks rock apart without changing what it is made of. Water seeping into cracks and freezing can split rock because ice takes up more space than water. Chemical weathering changes the minerals in the rock itself. Acid rain, for example, slowly dissolves limestone. Even tree roots can cause weathering by growing into cracks and pushing the rock apart.
Practice Questions
Q1: What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering?
Answer: Physical weathering breaks rock into pieces without changing its makeup. Chemical weathering changes the minerals inside the rock.
Q2: How can water freezing in a crack cause weathering?
Answer: Ice takes up more space than water, so it pushes the crack open wider and can split the rock.
Q3: Give one example of chemical weathering.
Answer: Acid rain dissolving limestone (or rusty iron minerals in rock).
People Also Ask
What is Weathering in Grade 4 Science?+
Weathering is a lesson in the Earth's Changing Surface chapter of Grade 4 Science. It is part of the Kansas, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers Weathering?+
Weathering is taught in Grade 4 as part of the Science curriculum in Kansas, USA.
How can I help my child with Earth's Changing Surface in Science?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Earth's Changing Surface topics.