Study carefully the experimental set-ups below and use them to answe the following questions;
(a) What is the aim of the experiment for which the apparatus has been set-up?
(b) List the experimental set-ups in the order which as risen through the soil samples, startin with the highest.
(C) List six items of apparatus used in the experimental set-up
(d) Describe briefly the procedure used in setting up the experiment.
(e) Why is there a difference in the set. in the water levels of the soil samples in the set ups labelled B and C
Explanation
(a) The aim of the experimental set up is to compare / deterrnine and measure the capillarity of rise in water of diferent types of soils.
(b) The rise in water is in the following order:
- Specimen A- highest- loam,
- Specimen B - higner - Clay
- Εpecimen C-lowest- sand
(c) Apparatus used in the experimental set up are:
- a large beaker / basin/dish/trough.
- 3 capillary tubes/ glass tubes
- Soil samples A, B and C.
- Water
- Cotton wool
- clamps/ retort stands
(d) Method used:
- Take three glass tubes and plug each with cotton wool.
- Fill each tube with dry samples of clayey, loamy and sandy soils respectively.
- Fix the three tubes in an upright position with clamps
- Get the three glass tubes immersed in a trough of water,
- Allow to stand for the required time.
- Watch the upward movement into the soil samples and record your observations,
(e) The difference in level of water in the B and C is because sample B has very fine pores which allow water to move upwards because of strong capillarity attraction while in sample C; there are large pores with low capillary attraction hence, upward moverment of water is Slow.