What term describes the process by which rocks break down as a result of chemical reactions?

The term that accurately describes the process by which rocks break down due to chemical reactions is chemical weathering. This process involves the alteration of the minerals within the rocks as they react with various chemicals in the environment, such as water, acids, and oxygen. Chemical weathering can lead to the formation of new minerals and dissolved substances, which can significantly alter the rock's composition and structure.

For instance, when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater, it forms carbonic acid, which can react with limestone, leading to its dissolution and contributing to features like caves. This highlights how chemical weathering plays a critical role in shaping the landscape through these reactions.

In contrast, mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks without changing their chemical composition, while biological weathering involves the breakdown of rocks through the activities of living organisms. Physical weathering, another term often associated with mechanical weathering, focuses specifically on the processes that break rocks apart physically, such as freeze-thaw cycles or thermal expansion. Each of these processes contributes to weathering but operates through different mechanisms and outcomes than chemical weathering.