Which of these terms describes the process of acid rain wearing away limestone?

• A. Oxidation
• B. Physical erosion
• C. Sublimation
• D. Chemical weathering

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of the process described: acid rain reacting with limestone involves a chemical change where the acid reacts with the minerals in the rock.
2. Recall that oxidation refers specifically to reactions involving oxygen, which is not the main process here.
3. Recognize that physical erosion involves mechanical breakdown without chemical change, such as abrasion or weathering by wind or water.
4. Know that sublimation is the phase change from solid directly to gas, which does not apply to the wearing away of limestone.
5. Conclude that the process where acid rain chemically reacts with and dissolves limestone is best described as chemical weathering, which involves chemical reactions altering the rock.