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A pycnometer is used to determine
  • a)
    water content and voids ratio
  • b)
    specific than 0.2 mm
  • c)
    water content and specific gravity
  • d)
    void ratio and dry density
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
A pycnometer is used to determinea)water content and voids ratiob)spec...
A pycnometer is a scientific instrument used to determine the specific gravity of a liquid or a solid. It is most commonly used for determining the water content and specific gravity of soil particles. The correct answer is (c) water content and specific gravity.

Here's a detailed explanation of how a pycnometer works and its importance in soil analysis:

Working Principle of a Pycnometer:
- A pycnometer is a glass or metal container with a known volume, equipped with a stopper or lid that has a small hole to allow excess liquid to escape when the container is filled.
- The pycnometer is first weighed empty (W1) and then filled with a liquid (usually water or a suspension of soil particles in water) and weighed again (W2).
- The liquid is then replaced with a solid sample (soil particles), and the pycnometer is weighed once more (W3). The pycnometer can also be filled with a soil-water suspension to determine the water content of the soil.
- The specific gravity of the soil particles can be determined using the known volume of the pycnometer and the weights obtained during the experiment.

Importance in Soil Analysis:
- Determining the water content and specific gravity of soil particles is essential for various soil tests and engineering applications.
- Water content is a crucial parameter in understanding the behavior of soil, as it affects the soil's strength, compressibility, and permeability.
- Specific gravity is an important property that describes the density of soil particles relative to the density of water. It helps in characterizing the soil and understanding its engineering behavior.
- By determining the water content and specific gravity of soil particles, engineers can make informed decisions about the suitability of the soil for construction projects, the design of foundations, and the assessment of slope stability, among other applications.
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Community Answer
A pycnometer is used to determinea)water content and voids ratiob)spec...
Explanation:
A pycnometer is a device used to determine the specific gravity or density of a substance. It is commonly used in various fields, including civil engineering. In the context of civil engineering, a pycnometer is used to determine the water content and specific gravity of a soil or aggregate sample.

Water Content:
The water content of a soil or aggregate sample refers to the amount of water present in the material. It is an important parameter as it affects the behavior and properties of the material. The water content can be determined using a pycnometer by following the below steps:

1. Obtain a representative sample of the soil or aggregate.
2. Dry the sample in an oven to remove all the moisture.
3. Weigh the dry sample and record its mass.
4. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water.
5. Weigh the pycnometer filled with water and record its mass.
6. Place a known amount of the dry sample into the pycnometer.
7. Weigh the pycnometer with the sample and water and record its mass.
8. Calculate the water content using the formula: Water Content = (Mass of Water / Mass of Dry Sample) x 100

Specific Gravity:
The specific gravity of a soil or aggregate sample is a measure of its density compared to the density of water. It provides information about the compactness and heaviness of the material. The specific gravity can be determined using a pycnometer by following the below steps:

1. Obtain a representative sample of the soil or aggregate.
2. Dry the sample in an oven to remove all the moisture.
3. Weigh the dry sample and record its mass.
4. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water.
5. Weigh the pycnometer filled with water and record its mass.
6. Place a known amount of the dry sample into the pycnometer.
7. Weigh the pycnometer with the sample and water and record its mass.
8. Calculate the specific gravity using the formula: Specific Gravity = (Mass of Dry Sample / (Mass of Water + Mass of Dry Sample))

Therefore, a pycnometer is used to determine the water content and specific gravity of a soil or aggregate sample. This information is important in civil engineering to assess the suitability and behavior of materials in construction projects.
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A pycnometer is used to determinea)water content and voids ratiob)specific than 0.2 mmc)water content and specific gravityd)void ratio and dry densityCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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