What properties of silica sand make it useful in hydraulic fracturing?(1 point)
Responses
It dissolves easily in oil.
It dissolves easily in oil.
It absorbs excess moisture.
It absorbs excess moisture.
Its abrasiveness aids in drilling.
Its abrasiveness aids in drilling.
It can withstand great pressure.
It can withstand great pressure.
The property of silica sand that makes it useful in hydraulic fracturing is that it can withstand great pressure.
The correct answer is: It can withstand great pressure.
To find the answer to this question, one can start by researching what properties of silica sand are advantageous in hydraulic fracturing. Silica sand is commonly used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing, which means it is used to prop open or "prop" the fractures created in the rock formations. The proppant prevents the fractures from closing up once the hydraulic pressure is released.
In hydraulic fracturing operations, it is important for the proppant to be able to withstand the pressure exerted by the injected fluids. The pressure can reach several thousand pounds per square inch (psi) and the proppant needs to stay in place and hold the fractures open for an extended period of time.
Silica sand is a naturally occurring material that has high crush resistance and can withstand the immense pressure of the hydraulic fracturing process. This ability to withstand high pressure makes it an ideal proppant for this application.
Therefore, the property of silica sand that makes it useful in hydraulic fracturing is its ability to withstand great pressure.