Final answer:
The character of the crystals in a salt solution can vary depending on the evaporation method used. Slow evaporation leads to larger, more pure crystals, while quick evaporation methods may result in smaller, less pure crystals. Vacuum + heat evaporation can be aggressive and may cause salt stability issues and equipment contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences in the character of the crystals can occur depending on the method used to evaporate the water from a salt solution. In slow evaporation, where the solution is left in open air, the crystals will grow bigger, more pure, and well built due to the slow evaporation process.
When using a vacuum to evaporate the water quickly, the crystals may be smaller and less pure due to the faster evaporation rate. Vacuum + heat can lead to even faster evaporation, but it may also violate salt stability and result in the decomposition or formation of lower hydrates, as well as mechanical salt losses and equipment contamination.