Question

A substance that is hygroscopic

A: absorbs and retains moisture from the atmosphere.
B: releases water to the atmosphere.
C: purifies water by removing nitrate and sulfate ions.
D: prevents atmospheric gases from forming aerosols.

Answer 1

Hygroscopic substances absorb and retain moisture from the atmosphere; sulfuric acid is an example of a hygroscopic substance that acts as a dehydrating agent.

Step-by-step explanation:

A substance that is hygroscopic absorbs and retains moisture from the atmosphere. This characteristic is used in various applications such as in desiccants that control humidity, in the stabilization of products by controlling water content, and in the drying of gases.

For example, sulfuric acid is known for its hygroscopic properties, as indicated by its strong affinity for water, making it an effective dehydrating agent, especially for drying gases and immiscible liquids that do not react with the acid, which aligns with information from FIGURE 18.54 that sulfuric acid has a tetrahedral molecular structure.