(a) State the major elements contained in each of specimens A, B and C. (b) Give three uses of specimens A and B. (c) Explain three ways in which specimen C...

Answer Details

(a) Major element contained in each specimen

• Specimen A: Potassium.
• Specimen B: Carbon.
• Specimen C: Calcium.

(b) Three uses of specimens A and B

Specimen A (potassium):

1. Used as a fertilizer and as a component of some fertilizer types.
2. Used in correcting soil acidity.
3. Used in the manufacture of soap (and as a scouring powder).

Specimen B (carbon):

1. Used as a source of heat for roasting or drying farm produce.
2. Used for warming brooder and piglet houses.
3. Used for boiling water in the processing of produce such as palm oil.

(c) Three ways specimen C (calcium) is important in agriculture

1. It is used to decrease soil acidity and to increase the availability of soil nutrients when added to the soil.
2. It is used to decrease acidity in fishpond water and to control leeches and liver fluke (by preventing the hatching of water snails) in fish ponds.
3. It improves soil structure and increases the activities of soil organisms; it is also a component of animal feed and reduces turbidity in fish ponds.

(d) Three physical differences between specimens B and C