Let's analyze the given environments for each rock to determine which one is most likely to develop large fractures and remain chemically unchanged:
1. Rock A:
- Intermittent rain showers.
- Temperatures alternating between -2°C and 20°C.
2. Rock B:
- Frequent acidic showers that contain carbonic acid.
3. Rock C:
- Covered with algae and lichen.
4. Rock D:
- Placed in an oxygen-rich environment.
5. Rock E:
- Hot and dry environment.
- Low temperature of 35°C.
### Analyzing the Factors:
1. Rock A:
- Intermittent rain showers: Rain can lead to physical weathering due to wetting and drying cycles.
- Temperature alternating between -2°C and 20°C: This range includes freeze-thaw cycles. Water can seep into cracks and freeze, expanding and causing the rock to fracture.
2. Rock B:
- Frequent acidic showers: This would lead to chemical weathering rather than physical fracturing.
3. Rock C:
- Covered with algae and lichen: This environment promotes biological weathering, which can alter the chemical composition over time.
4. Rock D:
- Oxygen-rich environment: This can lead to oxidation-related chemical weathering, affecting the chemical composition.
5. Rock E:
- Hot and dry environment with a low temperature of 35°C: This environment is likely to cause thermal expansion and contraction, but less likely to result in significant fractures compared to freeze-thaw cycles. Also, it might alter the chemical composition if any chemical reactions occur at high temperatures.
### Conclusion:
Given the environment descriptions and their effects:
- Rock A experiences significant physical stress from freeze-thaw cycles, causing large fractures.
- Rock A remains largely chemically unchanged since the primary weathering process here is physical rather than chemical.
Thus, the rock that most likely fits the description of having large fractures and remaining chemically unchanged is Rock A.
Answer: A. Rock A
