Paper 1 · Slope Processes and Weathering
Which weathering process is a chemical reaction in which hydrogen ions in water replace metal cations in a mineral such as feldspar, breaking it down into clay minerals and releasing soluble ions?
Ahydration
Boxidation
Cchelation
Dhydrolysis
Explanation: Hydrolysis is a chemical weathering reaction in which hydrogen ions replace metal cations in a mineral's structure, particularly feldspars in rocks such as granite, breaking the mineral down into clay minerals and releasing soluble ions. Hydration, oxidation and chelation are distinct chemical weathering reactions that do not involve this hydrogen-ion exchange mechanism.
Derived from ZIMSEC Geography Paper 1, November 2003, Q6
