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Difficulty: EasyRocks, Minerals, and Soil

Arrange the following soil particle types in order of their typical grain size, from smallest diameter to largest diameter.

  1. 1Clay particles
  2. 2Silt particles
  3. 3Sand grains
  4. 4Gravel fragments

Answer

Clay particles, followed by Silt particles, Sand grains, and Gravel fragments.
Soil texture components are classified strictly by particle diameter from smallest to largest: clay (under 0.002 mm), silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm), sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm), and gravel (greater than 2.0 mm).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the smallest particle diameter among soil texture components.
Clay particles are microscopic, measuring less than 0.002 mm across.
Clay is the finest fraction of weathered mineral matter in soil.
2
Determine the next size category larger than clay but smaller than sand.
Silt particles range between 0.002 mm and 0.05 mm in diameter.
Silt particles are smooth and powdery, bridging the size gap between clay and sand.
3
Identify the visible gritty mineral grains larger than silt.
Sand grains range between 0.05 mm and 2.0 mm in diameter.
Sand particles are easily felt as distinct grains and allow rapid water drainage.
4
Identify the largest coarse mineral fragments listed.
Gravel fragments exceed 2.0 mm in diameter.
Gravel comprises small rock fragments and pebbles that are larger than sand grains.

Key Concept

Soil texture classification by particle grain diameter (clay < silt < sand < gravel).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Rocks, Minerals, and Soil

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