Question

Water holding capacity measures the space between particles in a soil sample. This is done by saturating the soil sample, weighing the mass, drying the soil completely, and then weighing the mass of the dry sample. Water holding capacity is the percent change in mass. Calculate the water holding capacity of the following sample.

Wet weight: 30.2 grams
Dry weight: 27.3 grams

Answer 1

To calculate water holding capacity, you need to find the percent change in mass between the wet weight and dry weight of the soil sample.

Step-by-step explanation:

The water holding capacity of a soil sample can be calculated by determining the change in mass when the soil is saturated and then dried. To calculate the water holding capacity, you need to find the percent change in mass between the wet weight and dry weight of the soil sample. Here's how you can calculate it:

Saturate the soil sample by adding water until all the pore spaces are filled with water.

Weigh the soil sample when it is wet (wet weight).

Dry the soil sample completely by leaving it in an oven or using a heat lamp.

Weigh the soil sample when it is dry (dry weight).

Calculate the percent change in mass using the formula: Water Holding Capacity = (Wet Weight - Dry Weight) / Dry Weight * 100

Using the given values, the water holding capacity of the sample is calculated as follows:

Water Holding Capacity = (30.2 g - 27.3 g) / 27.3 g * 100 = 10.6%