In a soil's three-phase diagram, the constituents of soil are:
- Asegregated in four parts
- Bmixed together
- Csegregated in three partsCorrect
- Dsegregated in two parts
Solution
Concept
A three-phase diagram shows soil solids, water and air as three separate parts.
Step-by-step solution
1. Real soil has solids, water and air mixed together. 2. In a phase diagram, these are shown separately for easy calculation. 3. Three-phase diagram: solids, water and air form three separate parts. 4. Answer: segregated in three parts.
Explanation
In real soil, all constituents are mixed. In a three-phase diagram, we imagine them separated into three layers: solids, water and air. This helps to find void ratio, water content and other index properties.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Soil has only three phases, not four. B: In nature they are mixed, but the diagram shows them separated. D: Two parts are used only for dry or fully saturated soil (two-phase diagram).
Shortcut
Three-phase means three separate parts: solid, water, air.
Common mistake
Choosing 'mixed together', which describes real soil, not the phase diagram.
Correct answer: C) segregated in three parts