Which of the following processes of chemical weathering involves the reaction of mineral compounds with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions derived from dissolved water and carbon dioxide, producing clay minerals and soluble salts?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hydrolysis is a chemical weathering reaction where water molecules dissociate into hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, which directly attack silicate minerals such as feldspars, replacing metallic cations and forming secondary clay minerals like kaolinite. Carbonation involves the reaction of carbonic acid with carbonate minerals such as calcite in limestone to produce soluble calcium bicarbonate. Oxidation refers to the combination of metallic elements with atmospheric oxygen, commonly forming iron oxides that impart red and yellow coloration to soils. Solution is the direct dissolving of soluble minerals like rock salt and gypsum in water without chemical transformation.