i have a question on this

Question

Given the true mole masses of CuSO4 (160 g) and H2O (18 g), how could you find the exact formula of the hydrate from your experimental data? That is, how could you find the value of x in the formula CuSO4 xH2O?

Answer 1

The experimentator should take an amount of hydrate and weigh it(a g). Than the hydrate should be dried, after bringing at room temperature, the experimentator should weigh it (b g).

 

a/160 mol hydrate  -  (a-b)/18 mol water

  1     mol hydrate  -   x  mol water

 

 

x=(a-b)*160/18a 

 

CuSO₄*x H₂O