Question

Chemical weathering involving complete disintegration or modification in structure and composition of primary minerals

• A. Hydration
• B. Oxidation
• C. Hydrolysis
• D. Carbonation

Hint:

Think of hydrolysis as the chemical engine that drives clay mineral formation (e.g., converting Feldspar to Kaolinite clay).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chemical weathering involves the alteration of mineral structures through chemical reactions with water, oxygen, acids, and other agents, leading to the formation of new secondary minerals.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Hydration involves the physical association of water molecules with mineral structures without destroying the core mineral framework.
- Oxidation alters the valency of transition metals within minerals, causing structural stress.
- Carbonation involves reaction with carbonic acid to form soluble carbonates.
- Hydrolysis is the reaction of mineral surfaces with water ions (\(\text{H}^+\) and \(\text{OH}^-\)). This reaction disrupts the crystal lattice of primary silicate minerals (like feldspars), completely breaking down their structures and releasing silicic acid and basic cations. This process facilitates the formation of secondary clay minerals.
Because hydrolysis chemically disrupts primary mineral structures, it is considered the most fundamental chemical weathering process.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Hydrolysis is the primary chemical weathering process that results in the complete disintegration or modification of mineral structures.