Final answer:
Most solid compounds are indeed likely to contain some water if they have been exposed to the atmosphere; this is because water can be adsorbed and incorporated into the structure of the compounds, forming hydrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: Most solid compounds will contain some water if they have been exposed to the atmosphere.
The statement is generally true.
Many solid compounds can adsorb water from the air, leading to the inclusion of water molecules within their structure.
This process is known as hydration, and the resulting compounds are called hydrates.
For instance, ionic compounds can incorporate water into their crystal lattice, forming hydrates with a specific stoichiometry that reflects the number of water molecules associated with each formula unit of the compound.
It's important to differentiate this from water merely clinging to the surface, which can occur with any material exposed to humid air, resulting in water droplets or a film of water.
However, compounds that specifically include water in their standardized chemical structure do so in a consistent and predictable manner.
Water is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen, and it plays a vital role not only on Earth but also in the study of other planets like Mars, where the discovery of water suggests the possibility of past or present life.