Which operation must be performed carefully to free finer material that adheres to coarse particles in a physical test?

The pulverizing operation is vital for freeing finer material that adheres to coarse particles in a physical test because it involves the mechanical reduction of materials into finer sizes. This method effectively breaks down clumps and separations between coarse and fine aggregates. During pulverization, sufficient care is needed to ensure that the finer materials are thoroughly released without damaging the coarse particles or altering the inherent properties of the materials being tested.

Proper execution of the pulverizing technique helps to ensure accurate representation of both coarse and fine aggregates, which is essential for determining material properties and ensuring compliance with specifications. Through careful attention during this operation, technicians can achieve more reliable test results by reducing the risk of retaining adherent fines that could skew the analysis.