Here's a breakdown:

* Weathering is a process that breaks down rocks, soils, and minerals through direct contact with the Earth's atmosphere, biota, and hydrosphere.

* Chemical weathering is a specific type of weathering where chemical reactions change the composition of the rock, often leading to its breakdown.

There are many specific types of chemical weathering, including:

* Oxidation: Reactions with oxygen, like rusting of iron-containing minerals.

* Hydrolysis: Reactions with water, breaking down minerals and forming new ones.

* Carbonation: Reactions with carbonic acid (formed from carbon dioxide dissolved in water), dissolving carbonates like limestone.

* Acid rain: Rainwater that is more acidic than normal due to air pollution, dissolving minerals in rocks.

So, while "chemical breakdown of rocks" describes the process, the specific term for it is weathering, and chemical weathering if you want to specify the type of breakdown.