WAEC Biology 1999 Question 41

Question 41

Soil

A known weight of soil sample was oven-dried to obtain a constant weight. The loss in weight was due to loss of

  1. A.organic matter only
  2. B.water only
  3. C.water and organic matter
  4. D.inorganic matter and water
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (water only)

Explanation

Heating in an oven at about 100 °C drives off only the water; organic matter is removed by strong heating (burning) of the dried soil.