If twelve pounds of absorbent material are used, how many gallons can be absorbed?

If twelve pounds of absorbent material are used, how many gallons can be absorbed?

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 9
• D. 12

Answer: (B)

Absorption capacity is how many gallons a given weight of absorbent can take up. The material in this scenario can absorb about half a gallon per pound. Multiply the amount used by this rate: 12 pounds × 0.5 gallon per pound = 6 gallons. So twelve pounds of absorbent will absorb six gallons. If you had to reach a different volume, you’d scale the weight accordingly (e.g., needing three gallons would require about six pounds, nine gallons would need about eighteen pounds, and twelve gallons would need about twenty-four pounds).

Absorption capacity is how many gallons a given weight of absorbent can take up. The material in this scenario can absorb about half a gallon per pound. Multiply the amount used by this rate: 12 pounds × 0.5 gallon per pound = 6 gallons. So twelve pounds of absorbent will absorb six gallons.

If you had to reach a different volume, you’d scale the weight accordingly (e.g., needing three gallons would require about six pounds, nine gallons would need about eighteen pounds, and twelve gallons would need about twenty-four pounds).