A soil sample has void ratio of 0.5 and its porosity will be closed to...
Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.
Correct answer: D. 33%
Detailed Explanation
Given: e = 0.5. Using n = e/(1+e) = 0.5/1.5 = 0.3333 = 33%, matching option (d).
Key Concepts for Students
- Direct, single-step application of n = e/(1+e) — a formula that should feel automatic after working through this topic.
- A void ratio of exactly 0.5 is a convenient benchmark value: it corresponds to a porosity of exactly 1/3 (33.3%), useful for quick mental estimates.
- As void ratio increases from 0 towards very large values, porosity asymptotically approaches (but never reaches) 100%.
- Keep the n-e conversion pair (n = e/(1+e), e = n/(1−n)) close at hand — it recurs constantly across this entire question set.