The primary agent of chemical weathering is water, particularly when it is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid. This process facilitates the breakdown and alteration of minerals in rocks, contributing to the formation of soil and other geological features. Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of rocks, unlike physical weathering, which solely changes their physical form. In addition to water, other factors like temperature, biological activity, and mineral composition also influence the rates of chemical weathering.