13. What are the two broad categories of weathering responsible for breaking down rock / minerals?

Weathering is a natural process of break down of rocks or minerals into sub-parts, sediments and others. The two broad categories of weathering which are responsible for breaking down of rock/minerals are:

1. Physical and mechanical weathering: It refers to the process by which the rocks are broken down into sub-parts. This process does not alter the chemical composition of the rocks. The agents such as temperature, pressure, and others.

2. Chemical weathering: It refers to the process by which the rocks are subjected to chemical treatment such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and carbonation. These treatments brings change in the chemical composition of the rocks which further causes the disintegration of rocks.