What follows the adding of the reagent in the Speedy Moisture Test?

In the Speedy Moisture Test, after the reagent is added, the next step involves adding steel balls to the mixture. This step is crucial as the steel balls enhance the kinetic energy in the container during the mixing process. When the container is shaken, the steel balls help to thoroughly mix the soil sample with the reagent, ensuring that the chemical reaction occurs uniformly. This mixing is essential for getting accurate moisture content results, as it allows for a consistent interaction between the reagent and the water present in the soil sample.

In the context of the other options, adding the cap would occur after the mixture is set to react, while adding the sample is one of the initial steps performed before the reagent is introduced. Stirring the mixture, while a general practice in many laboratory experiments, may not be the specific procedure used in the Speedy Moisture Test, as the reaction is typically initiated and assessed once the container is shaken after all components are in place. Proper sequencing of these steps ensures the effectiveness of the test and the accuracy of the moisture measurement.