Question

In history class, Juan learned about two sets of limestone carvings left in similar caves approximately 5000 years ago. Both caves are damp, but one cave has an average temperature of 45°C, while the other cave has an average temperature of 70°C. If everything else is equal, which set of stone carvings would be more weathered? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Sample Response: If everything else about the two caves were equal and temperature was the only variable, then the carvings in the warmer cave would be more weathered. This is because the rate of weathering increases as temperature increases.

Which did you include in your answer? Check all that apply.

The carvings in the warmer cave would be more weathered.

The rate of weathering increases as temperature increases.

Answer 2

Sample Response: If everything else about the two caves were equal and temperature was the only variable, then the carvings in the warmer cave would be more weathered. This is because the rate of weathering increases as temperature increases.