Question

Expansion of minerals on coming into contact with rainfall:

Options

• Oxidation

• Solution

• Hydration

• Carbonation

Answer 1

Hydration is the process in which minerals expand when they come into contact with water (rainfall, for example). The water molecules are absorbed by the minerals, causing them to increase in volume, which may lead to the breaking down of the rock. This is different from oxidation, solution, and carbonation, which involve chemical reactions that change the composition of minerals, rather than causing physical expansion.