Soil Particle Distribution Analysis

1. Soil Particle Distribution Analysis Pre-lab Quiz This formative is a modified true/false assessment. If the statement is true, simply write a “T” next to the number. If the statement is false, correct the underlined, bolded, italicized portion of the statement to make it true. Example: Soil particle size distribution analysis is very important to astronauts. ANS: F; agriculture farmers Silt is the smallest particle found in soil. After 24 hours, all the sand particles have settled, leaving only the clay in suspension. Clay, sand, and silt particles are rarely found separated in nature, and instead are found in clumps of soil called pods.

2. 4. You may calculate the percent of water found in soils, but to do so requires that you use a hydrometer. 5. A dispersing solutionis used to separate the soil particles from each other. 6. Hydrometer readings in pure distilled water are 1.000 7. Specific Gravity is defined as the mass of any particulate matter relative to the mass of an equal volume of water. 8. The more particles that are suspended in the water, the lower in the water the hydrometer will sit/float.

3. 9. It is important to wait 30 seconds before reading the hydrometer because the temperature may vary within that period of time, and the hydrometer is only calibrated for one temperature. 10. The hydrometer reading to the right is .08

4. ***BONUS*** Describe one reason why this protocol might be important for someone to know.