Final answer:
A hydrate can be transformed into an anhydrous salt by heating, which removes the waters of hydration. This change is often evidenced by a change in the color of the compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transforming a Hydrate to an Anhydrous Salt
A hydrate can be transformed into an anhydrous salt through the process of heating. This process involves removing the waters of hydration, which are loosely bound water molecules, from the crystal lattice structure of the compound. For instance, heating cobalt (II) chloride hydrate, which has a magenta color due to its water content, will result in an anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride with a blue color. The removal of water molecules is often noticeable l by a change in color, as seen with this compound.
During the heating process, the temperature must be carefully controlled to avoid decomposition of the salt. This simple yet effective method is commonly used in chemistry to create anhydrous compounds, which are essential in various chemical reactions and in the study of the percent of water in a hydrate.