Dissolution occurs when minerals
A) are dissolved into water.
B) are turned into rust.
C) absorb water and expand.
D) are removed by frost.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dissolution is the process by which minerals are dissolved into water, resulting in their separation from the solid rock or mineral they were originally a part of. This is a common process in erosion and weathering, where water is often the main force behind the breakdown of rocks and minerals. Rust formation (B) is a specific type of chemical reaction that occurs when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture, and is not necessarily related to dissolution. Expansion due to water absorption (C) can occur in some minerals, but this is not always related to dissolution. Removal by frost (D) refers to the process of freeze-thaw weathering where water that enters pores and crevices in rocks during precipitation freezes and expands, causing the rock to crack and break apart. While this is a form of weathering, it is distinct from dissolution.

Dissolution Occurs When Minerals