2.2.3. Hydrometer Analysis

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is hydrometer analysis used for?

   Hint

   Think about what types of soil particles are considered fine.

2. 2.

   What principle does hydrometer analysis rely on?

   Hint

   What law relates to particles settling in fluids?

3. 3.

   Hydrometer analysis is particularly useful for particles smaller than which size?

   • 25 µm
   • 75 µm
   • 100 µm

   Hint

   Remember the classification of fine-grained soils.

4. 4.

   Stokes' Law indicates that larger particles settle faster than smaller particles.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how size impacts time.

5. 5.

   A soil sample contains silt and clay particles suspended in a fluid. If the hydrometer shows a higher density reading at 2 minutes compared to 5 minutes, what does that indicate about the sedimentation process?

   Hint

   Think about what settling indicates about particle size over time.

6. 6.

   If you were to apply a different fluid in hydrometer analysis that is denser than water, how would the hydrometer readings change, and why?

   Hint

   Consider the effect of medium density on particle movement.