Why is physical weathering also called mechanical weathering?
Physical is also called mechanical because it does not change the chemical composition as opposed to chemical weathering. Like a mechanical mixture, you can see the breakdown of mechanical weathering. You can’t see the dissolved pieces of chemical weathering. Think of it like this…physical weathering uses tools to break down. A mechanic uses tools to change things. Mechanical weathering is physical weathering. Its physical characteristics are changed, not its chemical characteristics.
