Why anhydrous salt is less soluble in water than hydrous salt

In summary, anhydrous salt is less soluble in water than hydrous salt because it does not contain water molecules in its chemical structure. Water molecules have a polar structure that allows them to interact with charged ions in salts, making it easier for hydrous salts to dissolve in water. The temperature of water also affects the solubility of anhydrous salt, with higher temperatures resulting in higher solubility. Once dissolved, anhydrous salt cannot become hydrous as it does not contain water molecules in its structure. Other factors such as particle size, agitation of the solution, and the presence of other substances can also affect the solubility of anhydrous salt.
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I just wanted to ask why anhydrous salt is less soluble in water than hydrous salt especially in case of glauber's salt

Thank you very much!
 
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Why do you think the anhydrous form is less soluble?
 
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I can explain why anhydrous salt is less soluble in water than hydrous salt. Anhydrous salt is a type of salt that does not contain any water molecules in its crystal structure, while hydrous salt contains water molecules in its crystal structure. This difference in structure affects the solubility of the salt in water.

When anhydrous salt is added to water, it does not have any water molecules to interact with the water molecules. This means that the anhydrous salt particles are not able to break apart and dissolve in the water as easily as hydrous salt. On the other hand, hydrous salt has water molecules in its crystal structure which can easily interact with the water molecules in the solution, allowing the salt particles to break apart and dissolve more easily.

Additionally, the presence of water molecules in hydrous salt can also create a hydration shell around the salt particles, making them more stable and less likely to precipitate out of the solution. This further increases the solubility of hydrous salt compared to anhydrous salt.

In the case of Glauber's salt (sodium sulfate decahydrate), the presence of 10 water molecules in its crystal structure makes it more soluble in water compared to anhydrous sodium sulfate. This is because the water molecules in Glauber's salt can interact with the water molecules in the solution, increasing its solubility.

In summary, the presence of water molecules in the crystal structure of hydrous salt allows for easier interaction with water molecules in the solution, making it more soluble than anhydrous salt.
 

FAQ: Why anhydrous salt is less soluble in water than hydrous salt

1. Why is anhydrous salt less soluble in water than hydrous salt?

This is because anhydrous salt does not contain water molecules in its chemical structure, whereas hydrous salt contains water molecules that are loosely bonded to the salt ions. This makes it easier for the water molecules to break the bonds between the salt ions and dissolve the hydrous salt.

2. How do the presence of water molecules affect the solubility of salts?

Water molecules have a polar structure, with a positively charged hydrogen end and a negatively charged oxygen end. This allows them to interact with the charged ions in salts, breaking them apart and dissolving them. In hydrous salts, the water molecules are already attached to the salt ions, making it easier for them to dissolve in water.

3. Does the temperature of water affect the solubility of anhydrous salt?

Yes, the temperature of water does affect the solubility of anhydrous salt. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of water molecules also increases, making them more likely to collide and break apart the salt ions. This results in higher solubility of anhydrous salt in warmer water.

4. Can anhydrous salt become hydrous after being dissolved in water?

No, anhydrous salt cannot become hydrous after being dissolved in water. This is because the water molecules are only loosely bonded to the salt ions in hydrous salts, whereas anhydrous salts do not contain any water molecules in their chemical structure. Once dissolved, the water molecules will remain attached to the salt ions and will not transform anhydrous salt into hydrous salt.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the solubility of anhydrous salt?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the solubility of anhydrous salt. These include the size of the salt particles, the agitation of the solution, and the presence of other substances that may interact with the salt ions. These factors can all impact the ability of water molecules to break apart and dissolve anhydrous salt.

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