Chapter 6: Problem 1

What are the minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains according to the Wentworth scale are \(0.0625\:mm\) and \(2\:mm\), respectively.

Step by step solution

Understand the Wentworth scale

The Wentworth scale is a commonly used system to classify particle sizes. According to the scale, particles are divided into eight categories: boulders, cobbles, pebbles, granules, sand, silt, clay, and colloids. Sand grains are further categorized into very coarse, coarse, medium, fine, and very fine sand.

Identify the size range for sand grains

On the Wentworth scale, sand grains range in size from 0.0625 mm to 2 mm. The different categories within the sand range are as follows: - Very Coarse Sand: 1 mm to 2 mm - Coarse Sand: 0.5 mm to 1 mm - Medium Sand: 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm - Fine Sand: 0.125 mm to 0.25 mm - Very Fine Sand: 0.0625 mm to 0.125 mm

Determine the minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains

To find the minimum size of sand grains, we look at the smallest size within the range of sand, which is the lower limit of very fine sand: Minimum sand grain size = \(0.0625\:mm\) To find the maximum size of sand grains, we look at the largest size within the range of sand, which is the upper limit of very coarse sand: Maximum sand grain size = \(2\:mm\) Thus, the minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains are \(0.0625\:mm\) and \(2\:mm\), respectively.

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What are the minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Wentworth scale

Identify the size range for sand grains

Determine the minimum and maximum sizes of sand grains

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