Question:medium

In a soil sample, the void ratio 'l' and porosity 'n' are related as:

Show Hint

The two key relationships between porosity (\(n\)) and void ratio (\(e\) or \(l\)) are: \[ n = \frac{e}{1+e} \quad \text{and} \quad e = \frac{n}{1-n} \] Memorizing these two forms will allow you to quickly solve any problem involving their relationship.
Updated On: Feb 19, 2026
  • \( l = n(1-l) \)
  • \( l = n(l-1) \)
  • \( n = l(1-n) \)
  • \( n = l(l+n) \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define void ratio (\(l\)) and porosity (\(n\)).
Let \(V_v\) represent the volume of voids, \(V_s\) the volume of solids, and \(V_t\) the total volume of the soil sample.
- Void Ratio (\(l\)): Defined as the ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids. \[ l = \frac{V_v}{V_s} \]- Porosity (\(n\)): Defined as the ratio of the volume of voids to the total volume. \[ n = \frac{V_v}{V_t} \] Step 2: Establish a relationship between void ratio and porosity.
The total volume is the sum of the volume of voids and the volume of solids: \( V_t = V_s + V_v \).
To express \(n\) in terms of \(l\), begin with the definition of porosity:\[ n = \frac{V_v}{V_t} = \frac{V_v}{V_s + V_v} \]Divide both the numerator and the denominator by \(V_s\):\[ n = \frac{V_v/V_s}{V_s/V_s + V_v/V_s} \]Substitute \(l = V_v/V_s\):\[ n = \frac{l}{1+l} \]This equation represents the fundamental relationship between void ratio and porosity.
Step 3: Evaluate the given options to find the matching relationship.
Analyze option (C): \( n = l(1-n) \).Perform algebraic manipulation:\[ n = l - ln \]Rearrange the equation by moving the \(ln\) term to the left side:\[ n + ln = l \]Factor out \(n\) from the terms on the left side:\[ n(1+l) = l \]Solve for \(n\):\[ n = \frac{l}{1+l} \]This result is identical to the derived relationship. Therefore, option (C) correctly represents the relationship between porosity and void ratio.
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