Final answer:
The reaction of chalk in acid suggests chemical weathering, supporting the hypothesis if it anticipated a chemical change. The dissolving of calcite in chalk is analogous to how limestone caves form, demonstrating chemical weathering through acid reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In answer to whether the results of the exercise support the hypothesis, this would require information about the initial hypothesis. Typically, when chalk (composed of calcite, CaCO₃) reacts in solutions such as dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl), it undergoes a chemical change, which would suggest that if the hypothesis was about observing a chemical reaction, then the results would likely support it as chalk fizzes and dissolves, indicating a chemical weathering process.
The reaction of chalk pieces in each solution would depend on the acidity and composition of the solutions used in the exercise. Chalk dissolving in a strong acid like HCl is a clear indication of a chemical reaction where calcite reacts to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. When comparing reactions in different solutions, the degree of fizzing or dissolution may vary, reflecting various rates of chemical weathering.
This exercise is an analog for chemical weathering, as the chalk's reaction in acid solutions is akin to limestone reacting with naturally acidic rainwater. This is different from physical weathering which involves the breaking down of rocks through physical forces without changing the rock's mineral composition.
The formation of limestone caves can be partly explained by the observations of the chalk in different solutions. Over geological time, water containing dissolved carbon dioxide or weak acids can seep into limestone bedrock and dissolve it in a manner similar to the chalk in acids. This process can lead to the creation of caverns and caves.