Empirical Formula of a Hydrate

[dlogdivad]

Homework Statement

I have a lab to complete, but I can't produce a reasonable hypothesis. This is the information I'm given to base my hypothesis on.

Homework Equations

In this experiment, you will empirically determine the ratio of water to salt in the hydrates copper sulfate hydrate (CuSO4*XH2O) and magnesium chloride hydrate (MgCl2*XH2O). The symbol X in the formulas represent the unknown number of water molecules.

The formula for the hydrate gives the number of water molecules in the hydrate per molecule of salt. Your experimental measurements will be converted to a molar ratio, that is, the ratio of moles of water to moles of the salt in the hydrate in order to find a value for X.

The Attempt at a Solution

I understand what my goal is and how I'm going to be getting there, but I can't think of a prediction in an "if-then" format.

 

[Borek]

Can you give examples of prediction in the "if-then" format?

 

[dlogdivad]

sure, an example would be something like:

If red and blue is mixed, then the resulting color will be purple.

I hope that was an adequate example.

 

[Borek]

This is prediction, not hypothesis.

 

[DeeNos]

As a scientist, it is important to remember that a hypothesis is not a prediction, but rather a proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on existing knowledge and observations. In this case, your hypothesis could be something along the lines of: "If the molar ratio of water to salt in the hydrate is determined experimentally, then the value of X in the hydrate formula can be calculated." This hypothesis is based on the understanding that the molar ratio is directly related to the number of water molecules in the hydrate formula, and by determining the molar ratio, we can find the value of X. It is also important to note that a hypothesis is not a definitive statement, but rather a starting point for further investigation and experimentation. Good luck with your lab!