Final answer:
Chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that break down rocks, physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller fragments through physical processes, and biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks by living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical weathering is the process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions. This can occur when rocks come into contact with water, acids, or certain gases in the atmosphere. Some examples of chemical weathering processes include oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation. The products of chemical weathering are new minerals that are formed as a result of the chemical reactions.
Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. This can occur due to factors such as temperature changes, frost action, and the expansion and contraction of rocks. Examples of physical weathering processes include freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and exfoliation. The products of physical weathering are smaller rock fragments.
Biological weathering is the breakdown of rocks by living organisms. This can occur through a variety of processes, such as the growth of plant roots, the burrowing of animals, and the actions of microorganisms. Biological weathering can contribute to the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks. For example, plant roots can exert pressure on rocks, leading to their fragmentation, while certain bacteria can produce acids that chemically weather the rocks.