Soil Physics: Mixing different soils

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 4K views
sfd101
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
This is a lab question I have for Environmental Soil Physics. Been thinking about it for awhile and I have nothing.

What would be the average particle density of a mixture of 3% soil organic matter and 97% soil minerals by weight. Soil orgainc matter and soil minerals have densities of 1.37g/cubic centimeter and 2.73g/cubic centimeter, respectively.

According to the prof., the answer should be ~2.65g/cubic centimeter, which is the average value for mineral soils.

I have tried using a ratio of 3% soil organic matter and 97% soil minerals and multiplying it by the total density. Just like if it is 50% of each. However, it is not close to 2.65g/cubic centimeter. I just need a point in the right direction.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org