Real-Life Math -- Solution
Start by calculating the bulk density:
Bulk density =
weight of soil sample / natural volume of soil sample
Bulk density
= 1.5 g / 1 square centimeter
Bulk density = 1.5
Now you need to
figure out the particle density:
Particle density = weight of soil
sample / compressed volume of soil sample
Particle density = 1.5 g
/ 0.55 square centimeters
Particle density = 2.7
Now you can find
your percentages:
Percent of soil solids = bulk density / particle
density x 100
Percent of solid soils = 1.5 / 2.7 x 100
Percent
of solid soils = 56
So how much pore space do you have?
Percent
of pore space = 100 - percent of soil solids
Percent of pore space
= 100 - 55
Percent of pore space = 45
This soil sample is 45 percent
pore space. Be prepared to do a lot of these kinds of calculations if you
want to pursue soil science. This is one career that requires doing a lot
of math.
"Math is needed to calculate areas of soils that need to be
managed, volumes of soils that need to be moved or the amount
of chemicals to be placed in soils," says soil scientist Ted Hartsig. "In
other words, math is everywhere, so if you didn't like it in school, you probably
aren't suited for this job."