Which type of weathering results in angular fragments of the original rock?

Physical weathering is the process that results in angular fragments of the original rock. This type of weathering occurs without altering the chemical composition of the rock; instead, it primarily involves the breaking apart of the rock into smaller pieces due to various physical processes. These processes can include freeze-thaw cycles, where water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and eventually causes the rock to break apart. The fragments created are often sharp and angular, reflecting the original structure of the rock.

In contrast, chemical weathering involves the alteration of the minerals within the rock through chemical reactions, which may lead to a more rounded or smooth appearance over time due to the dissolution of minerals. Biological weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks through the actions of living organisms, such as plant roots growing into cracks, which can also contribute to fragmentation but might not necessarily result in angular pieces. Mechanical weathering is often used interchangeably with physical weathering, reinforcing the idea that physical processes create angular fragments without changing their chemical make-up.