The diagram below illustrates an experimental set-up in soil analysis. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow. (a) State the aim of the ill...
Question 1 Report
The diagram below illustrates an experimental set-up in soil analysis. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(a) State the aim of the illustrated experiment.
(b) Name the part labelled I, II, III and IV.
(c) A fresh sample of soil weighed 60 g. A container weighing 35 g was used to dry the soil. If both the soil and the container weighed 80 g after the experiment, determine the:
(i) weight of the dried soil;
(ii) weight of the water lost from the soil;
(iii) percentage of water lost from the soil.
(d) List three forms in which water exists in the soil.
Answer Details
(a) Aim of the experiment
To determine the moisture content (and hence the organic matter content) of a soil sample by heating and drying it.
(b) Parts labelled I to IV
- I - Evaporating dish / crucible
- II - Soil
- III - Tripod stand
- IV - Bunsen burner
(c) Calculations
Mass of fresh soil = 60 g; mass of empty dish = 35 g; mass of dish + dried soil = 80 g.
(i) Weight of the dried soil
\[80\,\text{g} - 35\,\text{g} = 45\,\text{g}\]
(ii) Weight of water lost from the soil
\[60\,\text{g} - 45\,\text{g} = 15\,\text{g}\]
(iii) Percentage of water lost from the soil
\[\frac{15}{60} \times 100 = 25\%\]
(d) Three forms in which water exists in the soil
- Hygroscopic water
- Capillary water
- Gravitational water
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