Which soil component aids cohesiveness in other soils?

Which soil component aids cohesiveness in other soils?

• A. Clay
• B. Colloids
• C. Silt
• D. Sand

Answer: (B)

Cohesion in soils comes from very small, highly active particles called colloids. These include clay minerals and organic matter that have a large surface area and carry electric charges. Because of their size and charge, colloids attract water and multivalent ions, creating bridges and a cementing effect between larger particles. This bonding makes soils stick together and resist crumbling, even when mixed with sand or silt. So, colloids act as the binder that increases cohesiveness across different soil types.

Cohesion in soils comes from very small, highly active particles called colloids. These include clay minerals and organic matter that have a large surface area and carry electric charges. Because of their size and charge, colloids attract water and multivalent ions, creating bridges and a cementing effect between larger particles. This bonding makes soils stick together and resist crumbling, even when mixed with sand or silt. So, colloids act as the binder that increases cohesiveness across different soil types.