Final answer:
Mechanical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks and minerals without any change in their chemical composition, while chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of rocks and minerals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering are two processes that affect the Earth's surface. Mechanical weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks and minerals without any change in their chemical composition. This can occur through processes like freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion by wind or water, or the growth of plant roots. On the other hand, chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of rocks and minerals, resulting in a change in their composition. This can happen through processes like oxidation, hydration, carbonation, or dissolution. Unlike mechanical weathering, chemical weathering can occur over shorter timeframes and has the ability to change the chemical properties of materials.
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