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What type of soil is plastic when moist but hard when fired?

  1. Loam

  2. Sand

  3. Clay

  4. Silt

The correct answer is: Clay

Clay is the correct answer because it has a specific property that allows it to become plastic when moist, meaning it can be shaped and molded. However, when fired or heated at high temperatures, the water in the clay evaporates and causes the clay to harden and become brittle. This process, known as firing or baking, is used in pottery making and other industries. Loam, sand, and silt do not have this same ability, making them incorrect options. Loam is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, while sand and silt are not known for their plasticity or ability to be molded when moist.