Question

Part E

Soap is a relatively soft substance compared to rocks, so it has a higher rate of weathering. That means the impact from the water droplets will break apart the soap faster than a rock. Evidence of the scattered, broken soap pieces can likely be found on the sink where you conducted your experiment.

Based on what you know about chemical and mechanical weathering, determine which type of weathering affected the soap. Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The weathering that affected the soap was mechanical weathering. This is because mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and other materials into smaller pieces without changing their chemical makeup. The impact of the water droplets on the soap broke it apart into smaller pieces without changing its chemical composition.