ZnSO4.xH2O(s) ---> ZnSO4(s)+xH2O(g)
What about it?
ZnSO4.xH2O(s)+ heat ---> ZnSO4(s)+xH2O(g)
The chemical equation you provided represents the reaction of zinc sulfate hydrate (ZnSO4.xH2O) decomposing into zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and water vapor (H2O). The value of x will determine the number of water molecules released.
To determine the value of x, which represents the number of water molecules in the hydrate, you need to consider the molar mass of the compounds involved. Here's the step-by-step approach to calculating the value of x:
1. Find the molar mass of ZnSO4.xH2O:
- The molar mass of zinc (Zn) is 65.38 g/mol.
- The molar mass of sulfur (S) is 32.07 g/mol.
- The molar mass of oxygen (O) is 16.00 g/mol.
- The molar mass of hydrogen (H) is 1.01 g/mol.
- Multiply the molar mass of hydrogen by 2 since there are two hydrogen atoms in each water molecule.
- Add up all the masses for zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and x water molecules.
2. Find the molar mass of ZnSO4:
- Add up the molar masses of zinc, sulfur, and four oxygen atoms to find the molar mass of ZnSO4.
3. Calculate the molar mass of water (H2O):
- Add the molar masses of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
4. Set up an equation based on the molar masses:
- (Molar mass of ZnSO4.xH2O) = (Molar mass of ZnSO4) + (x * Molar mass of water)
5. Use the equation to solve for x:
- Rearrange the equation to solve for x: x = (Molar mass of ZnSO4.xH2O - Molar mass of ZnSO4) / (Molar mass of water)
By substituting the molar masses into the equation and calculating x, you can determine the number of water molecules released when the hydrate decomposes into zinc sulfate and water vapor.