1. physical weathering- disintegration or breaking of rock material into small fragments or pieces. In physical weathering, the chemical components of rock remain unchanged.

2. chemical weathering- decomposition of rock material due to the chemical reaction of compounds in the rock with chemicals in the environment. Not all rocks are composed of the same chemicals or minerals, so chemical weathering affects rocks differently.

3. erosion- the process by which rock and soil materials are loosened or dissolved and transported from one place to another.

4. rocks- mixtures of different elements and chemical compounds that combine in different proportions to form hard, solid materials of the Earth's surface.

5. minerals- the elements and compounds found in rocks are often called minerals. All minerals are solids and possess a crystal structure.

6. soil- the mixture of organic component, sand, and gravel that makes up the upper surface of the earth.