Which equation correctly represents the dehydration of hydrated copper(II) sulfate?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which equation correctly represents the dehydration of hydrated copper(II) sulfate?

Explanation:
When you heat a hydrated salt, it loses its water of crystallisation. For copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, five water molecules are released, leaving the anhydrous salt behind. The correct representation shows the hydrated solid on the left and the anhydrous salt plus five water molecules on the right, with the water often leaving as steam. So CuSO4·5H2O(s) → CuSO4(s) + 5H2O(g). The other options misrepresent either the direction (hydration), the amount of water (only 2 H2O), or show no net change.

When you heat a hydrated salt, it loses its water of crystallisation. For copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, five water molecules are released, leaving the anhydrous salt behind. The correct representation shows the hydrated solid on the left and the anhydrous salt plus five water molecules on the right, with the water often leaving as steam. So CuSO4·5H2O(s) → CuSO4(s) + 5H2O(g). The other options misrepresent either the direction (hydration), the amount of water (only 2 H2O), or show no net change.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy