Question

Why silts are different from clays?

A. Both are fine but silt is cohesionless
B. Silts are less frost susceptible than clays.
C. Clay is less than 0.005 mm in size, silt is 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm
D. Both A and C

Answer 1

Silts differ from clays primarily due to their particle sizes and cohesion properties. Silts are larger and less cohesive than clay particles, resulting in varying soil drainage and frost susceptibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Silts and clays are different largely because of their particle size and cohesion properties. Clay particles are particularly fine, measuring less than 0.002 mm in diameter, and are known for their cohesion, which allows them to stick together when wet. This gives clay soils their plasticity and ability to hold together, which is also influenced by the presence of minerals like feldspar and iron, providing clay with a reddish-brown color.

Silt, on the other hand, has particles that range between 0.002 and 0.1 mm in diameter. While still fine-grained compared to sand, silt does not exhibit the same cohesiveness as clay. Because of its larger particle size compared to clay, silt allows for better drainage and is less susceptible to holding onto water, reducing frost susceptibility.

The correct answer to the question of why silts are different from clays is option C: Clay is less than 0.005 mm in size, while silt is 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm.