When wet, if a soil feels slick and can be molded, what type of soil is it?

The correct response is that the soil is cohesive. Cohesive soils are characterized by their ability to stick together when wet, leading to a slick feel that allows them to be molded into different shapes. This property is mainly due to the fine particles in cohesive soils, such as clay, which have strong adhesive qualities when combined with water.

In contrast, granular soils, typically made up of larger particles like sand and gravel, do not exhibit these cohesive properties. When granular soils are wet, they tend to drain quickly and do not hold shape or feel slick; instead, they become loose and unmanageable. Class A and Type B classifications may refer to particular standards used in engineering or safety assessments, but they do not directly relate to the tactile and moldable characteristics of soil when wet. Hence, the defining quality of cohesion under wet conditions makes it clear that the soil in question fits the description of cohesive soil.