Final answer:
A convict smashing rocks with a sledgehammer is an example of physical weathering, which is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller particles without chemical alteration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prison convict smashing big rocks into smaller pieces would be an agent of physical weathering. Physical weathering is the process where rocks are broken down into smaller particles without any change in the chemical composition of the rocks. This can occur through various methods such as temperature changes, water, wind, and biological activity - or, in this case, human activity.
The prison convict smashing big rocks into smaller pieces indeed exemplifies physical weathering, a geological process wherein rocks undergo fragmentation without altering their chemical composition. This form of weathering is influenced by diverse factors like temperature fluctuations, water action, wind erosion, and even biological activities, including human intervention. In this specific scenario, the mechanical force exerted by the convict effectively breaks down large rocks into smaller particles, mirroring the natural processes that occur in the environment. While physical weathering typically results from natural elements, the deliberate human activity in this prison context serves as a noteworthy anthropogenic example of rock breakdown, highlighting the versatility of physical weathering mechanisms in shaping the Earth's surface over time.