A student worked with a sample of ZnSO4.7H2O, what is the stoichiometric ratio of salt to water?

To determine the stoichiometric ratio of salt (ZnSO4) to water (H2O) in ZnSO4.7H2O, you need to analyze the chemical formula of the compound.

The compound ZnSO4.7H2O consists of a zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) molecule with seven water (H2O) molecules attached to it. The dot (.) signifies the attachment of the water molecules.

From the chemical formula, we can determine that for every one ZnSO4 molecule, there are 7 H2O molecules. So, the stoichiometric ratio of salt to water is 1:7.

This means that in one mole of ZnSO4.7H2O, you would have one mole of ZnSO4 and seven moles of H2O.

Keep in mind that the stoichiometric ratio may change if there are any coefficients outside the chemical formula indicating the presence of more than one unit. However, in the case of ZnSO4.7H2O, there are no coefficients outside the formula, so the ratio remains as 1:7.

To determine the stoichiometric ratio of salt to water in ZnSO4.7H2O, we need to consider the subscripts in the formula.

In this case, "ZnSO4" represents the salt, and "7H2O" represents the water molecules associated with the salt.

The number "7" before H2O indicates that there are seven water molecules present for each unit of ZnSO4.

Therefore, the stoichiometric ratio of salt to water in ZnSO4.7H2O is 1:7.

Isn't the answer obvious? 1 mole salt to 7 moles H2O.