(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
