Final answer:
Hydrates and anhydrous salts have various uses outside the laboratory. Calcium sulfate hemihydrate is used in medical casts, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate as a home remedy, and anhydrous calcium chloride in dehumidifiers. These compounds significantly contribute to health and environmental control in homes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Uses of Hydrates and Anhydrous Salts in Homes
Hydrates are ionic compounds containing water molecules as integral parts of their crystal structures. These compounds are often utilized in everyday household items and activities. Three notable uses of hydrates or anhydrous salts outside the laboratory include:
Medical Applications: Calcium sulfate hemihydrate, commonly called plaster of Paris, is a widely used hydrate in medical applications. It's prominently known for its role in creating casts for broken bones where it acts as a solidifying agent that molds to the shape of the injured area once mixed with water.
Home Health Remedies: Epsom salt, formally known as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is renowned for its therapeutic properties. Its uses range from a muscle relaxant in bath soaks to a gentle laxative. The hydrate form is composed of seven water molecules ensuring its efficacy when dissolved for various home remedies.
Dehumidifiers: Anhydrous salts such as calcium chloride are hygroscopic, meaning they can absorb moisture from the air. They are used in dehumidifying products aimed at reducing humidity levels in closets, basements, and other enclosed spaces.
To understand the science behind these uses, it is essential to know what a hydrate is and how they can be converted to an anhydrous compound. A hydrate is an ionic compound that has water molecules bound to its formula units. Hydrates can be converted to their anhydrous form by heating, which removes the water molecules. The term hexahydrate signifies the presence of six water molecules associated with each formula unit of a compound. Lastly, the percentages of water in these compounds contribute to their physical properties and practical applications.