Final answer:
Mechanical weathering involves physical forces that break down rocks, while chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that alter the composition of rocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering are two processes that contribute to the breaking down of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface. Mechanical weathering involves physical forces that physically break down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition. Examples of mechanical weathering include the freeze-thaw cycle, where water freezes in the cracks of rocks causing them to break apart. Chemical weathering, on the other hand, involves chemical reactions that alter the composition of rocks and minerals. This can be caused by various factors such as water, oxygen, and acids in the environment. One example of chemical weathering is the reaction between rainwater and certain types of rock such as limestone, which causes the rock to dissolve over time.
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