In hydrometer analysis for a soil massa)both meniscus correction and d...
In hydrometer analysis for a soil mass, both meniscus correction and dispersing agent correction are involved. The correct answer is option 'C', which states that meniscus correction is additive and dispersing agent correction is subtractive. Let's understand why this is the case:
1. Meniscus Correction:
- When performing hydrometer analysis, the hydrometer is immersed in a soil suspension in a hydrometer jar.
- The meniscus is the curved surface of the liquid in the jar, and it affects the reading on the hydrometer scale.
- The meniscus correction is the correction required to account for the difference between the hydrometer reading at the meniscus and the true reading.
- In most cases, the meniscus correction is positive or additive. This means that it needs to be added to the hydrometer reading to obtain the correct value.
2. Dispersing Agent Correction:
- Dispersing agents, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, are used in hydrometer analysis to prevent soil particles from flocculating and to ensure a uniform suspension.
- These agents help in separating individual soil particles, allowing for accurate analysis.
- However, the presence of dispersing agents can affect the density of the suspension and consequently the hydrometer reading.
- The dispersing agent correction is the correction required to account for the effect of the dispersing agent on the hydrometer reading.
- In most cases, the dispersing agent correction is negative or subtractive. This means that it needs to be subtracted from the hydrometer reading to obtain the correct value.
Therefore, in hydrometer analysis, both meniscus correction and dispersing agent correction are necessary to obtain accurate results. The meniscus correction is additive because it needs to be added to the hydrometer reading, while the dispersing agent correction is subtractive because it needs to be subtracted from the hydrometer reading. These corrections ensure that the final hydrometer reading reflects the true particle size distribution of the soil sample.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Civil Engineering (CE) study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Civil Engineering (CE).