The void ratio for saturated soil is equal to _____ of water content and specific gravity of solids:
Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.
Correct answer: B. product
Detailed Explanation
The fundamental relationship between void ratio, degree of saturation, water content, and specific gravity is eS = wG. For saturated soil, the degree of saturation S = 1, which simplifies this relationship to:
e = wG
In words, for a saturated soil, the void ratio equals the product of the water content and the specific gravity of solids — matching option (b).
Key Concepts for Students
- eS = wG is the master relationship; setting S = 1 (saturated) simplifies it to e = wG.
- This is the same simplification used explicitly in Q16 and Q29 — recognizing "saturated" in a question should immediately suggest setting S = 1 in this formula.
- Being asked to identify the relationship in words ("product") rather than compute a number tests conceptual understanding of the formula's structure, not just its use.
- For a non-saturated soil, the more general eS = wG must be used with the actual (non-unity) value of S.