$(6\%)$ The soils decrease in volume due to the application of a force $($such as a new

building foundation$)$ is known as consolidation. The applied force causes the soil

particles to pack together tightly and therefore reduce in volume. Water that is

saturated in soil will be squeezed out when the pressure is applied. Which of the

following soil types will water take the longest to be squeezed out? Why?

a$.$ Sand b$.$ Silt c$.$ Loam d$.$ Clay