Question

Epsom salts is a hydrated ionic compound with the following formula: MgSO₄⋅xH₂O A sample of Epsom salts with a mass of 4.93 g was heated to drive off the water of hydration. The mass of the sample after complete dehydration was 2.41 g. What is the mass of the water lost during heating?

Answer 1

The mass of the water lost during the heating of Epsom salts is 2.52 grams, calculated by subtracting the mass of the anhydrous salt from the initial mass of the hydrated salt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of the water lost during the heating of Epsom salts can be determined by subtracting the mass of the anhydrous MgSO4 from the initial mass of the hydrated MgSO4·xH2O. Initially, the mass of the hydrated Epsom salts was 4.93 g, and after complete dehydration, it was left with a mass of 2.41 g. Therefore:

Mass of water lost = Initial mass of hydrated salt - Mass of anhydrous salt

Mass of water lost = 4.93 g - 2.41 g = 2.52 g