(a) When MgSO(_4).XH(_2)O crystals were exposed to the atmosphere for several days, three was a loss in mass
(i) What name is given to this phenomenon?
(ii) Give another example of a compound that exhibits this phenomenon
(b) If 0.50 mole of MgSO(_4).XH(_2)O has a mass of 123g. calculate the value of X. (H = 1, O = 16, Mg = 24, S = 32)
Explanation
(a)(i) The name of the phenomenon is Efflorescence
(ii) Another example is Na(_2)CO(_3).10H(_2)O.
(b) Molar mass of MgSO(_4) x H(_2)O = 2x
123 = 246 i.e. 24 + 32 + (4 x 16) + x (2X 1 + 16) = 246
120 + 18x = 246;
18x = 246 – 120;
18x = 126
x = (frac{126}{18})
x = 7