* Chemical Weathering: This involves changes in the chemical composition of rocks and minerals. Reactions with air, water, or other chemicals break down the original material.

* Mechanical Weathering: This involves physical forces that break down rocks without changing their chemical makeup. Think of things like freezing/thawing, abrasion, or root wedging.

How Oxidation Works:

Oxidation is a reaction where a substance loses electrons. In the context of rocks, this often involves the reaction of iron in minerals with oxygen. For example:

* Iron (Fe) + Oxygen (O2) + Water (H2O) → Iron Oxide (rust) (Fe2O3)

The rust (iron oxide) is weaker and less stable than the original iron-containing mineral, leading to the breakdown of the rock.

Key Takeaway: Oxidation alters the chemical composition of rocks, which makes it a chemical weathering process.