A pycnometer is used to determinea)Water content and voids ratiob)Specific gravity and dry densityc)Water content and specific gravityd)Voids ratio and dry densityCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Pycnometer test is used to determine the specific gravity of cohesion less soils and water content.

Dry density or in-situ unit weight is determined by using the following methods:

1. Sand Replacement

2. Core-Cutter

3. Water Displacement

Other methods to determine the water content are:

1. Oven Drying Method

2. Calcium Carbide/Rapid Moisture

3. Sand Bath Method

4. Radiation method

5. Torsion Balance Moisture Meter

Answer

Understanding the Pycnometer
A pycnometer is an essential instrument in civil engineering, particularly for determining the physical properties of soils and aggregates. Its primary use lies in measuring the specific gravity and water content of a substance.
Key Functions of a Pycnometer:
- Specific Gravity Determination:
The specific gravity of a material is defined as the ratio of the density of the material to the density of water. The pycnometer allows for accurate measurement of the volume of a solid sample, which, when combined with its weight, facilitates the calculation of specific gravity.
- Water Content Measurement:
The pycnometer can also be used to determine the water content of a soil sample. By weighing the sample before and after drying, the water content can be calculated as the difference in weight. This is crucial for understanding the moisture characteristics of the soil, which directly affects its engineering properties.
Why Option 'C' is Correct:
- Combination of Measurements:
Option 'C' states that a pycnometer is used to determine both water content and specific gravity. This is accurate, as the device is specifically designed to measure these two parameters effectively.
- Exclusion of Other Options:
Other options mention voids ratio and dry density, which are not directly calculated using a pycnometer. Instead, they can be derived from the specific gravity and water content measurements, but they are not the primary functions of the instrument.
In summary, the pycnometer is a versatile tool in civil engineering, primarily used for determining the specific gravity and water content of materials, making option 'C' the correct answer.

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A pycnometer is used to determine

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