JAMB Biology 2008 Question 37

Question 37

Soil

In an experiment to determine the percentage of air in a soil sample, the following readings were recorded:
Volume of water in a measuring cylinder = 500cm³
Volume of soil added to water = 350cm³
Volume of water and soil after stirring = 800cm³
The percentage of air in the soil sample is

A.6.25%
B.10.36%
C.14.28%
D.43.28%.

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (14.28%)

Explanation

Air driven out = (500 + 350) − 800 = 50 cm³. Percentage of air in the soil = 50/350 × 100 = 14.28%.