All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Number of molecules of water of crystallization in copper sulphate, sodium carbonate and Gypsum are

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2020 GAT Previous Year Paper (06-Sep-2020)
The correct answer is

5, 10 and 2 respectively

Understanding Water of Crystallization in Salts

Many crystalline salts contain a definite number of water molecules loosely attached to their crystal structure. This associated water is known as water of crystallization. When these hydrated salts are heated, they lose their water of crystallization and become anhydrous.

Let's examine the three compounds mentioned in the question:

  1. Copper Sulphate: The hydrated form of copper sulphate is commonly known as Blue Vitriol. Its chemical formula is \( \text{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This means one molecule of copper sulphate is associated with 5 molecules of water of crystallization.
  2. Sodium Carbonate: The most common hydrated form of sodium carbonate is known as Washing Soda. Its chemical formula is \( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This indicates that each molecule of sodium carbonate has 10 molecules of water of crystallization attached.
  3. Gypsum: Gypsum is a hydrated mineral composed of calcium sulphate. Its chemical formula is \( \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This formula shows that one molecule of calcium sulphate is associated with 2 molecules of water of crystallization.

To summarize the number of water molecules of crystallization for each compound:

Compound Common Name Chemical Formula (Hydrated) Number of Water Molecules
Copper Sulphate Blue Vitriol \( \text{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 5
Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda \( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 10
Gypsum \( \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 2

The question asks for the number of molecules of water of crystallization in copper sulphate, sodium carbonate, and Gypsum in that specific order. Based on our findings, the numbers are 5, 10, and 2 respectively.

Comparing this sequence (5, 10, 2) with the given options, we can determine the correct choice.

  • Option 1: 5, 10 and 2 respectively
  • Option 2: 10, 2 and 5 respectively
  • Option 3: 5, 2 and 10 respectively
  • Option 4: 2, 5 and 10 respectively

The sequence 5, 10, and 2 matches Option 1.

Revision Table: Hydrated Salts

Salt Hydrated Formula Water Molecules
Copper(II) Sulphate \( \text{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 5
Sodium Carbonate \( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 10
Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) \( \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 2
Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of Paris) \( \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot \frac{1}{2}\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 0.5
Iron(II) Sulphate \( \text{FeSO}_4 \cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 7
Magnesium Sulphate \( \text{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 7
Zinc Sulphate \( \text{ZnSO}_4 \cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 7
Aluminium Potassium Sulphate (Alum) \( \text{KAl(SO}_4)_2 \cdot 12\text{H}_2\text{O} \) 12

Additional Information: Properties Related to Water of Crystallization

Understanding water of crystallization is important as it affects the physical properties (like colour and shape) of the crystal. Losing water of crystallization can change these properties significantly.

  • Anhydrous Salt: A salt that has lost its water of crystallization. For example, anhydrous copper sulphate (\( \text{CuSO}_4 \)) is white, unlike hydrated copper sulphate which is blue.
  • Efflorescence: The process where a hydrated salt spontaneously loses its water of crystallization to the atmosphere when exposed to air, especially if the atmospheric humidity is lower than the vapour pressure of the hydrate. Washing soda (\( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O} \)) is efflorescent.
  • Deliquescence: The process where a substance absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and dissolves in the absorbed water, forming a solution. This is distinct from efflorescence. Examples include calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide.
  • Hygroscopy: The ability of a substance to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment. Many substances are hygroscopic without necessarily dissolving (like deliquescence) or forming a defined hydrate (like water of crystallization).

These concepts highlight the dynamic nature of water association with salts.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The equivalent weight of oxalic acid in C2H2O4⋅2H2O is_________.

  2. Which one of the following statements is correct?

  3. The compound C6H12 O4 contains________.

  4. Which one of the following is a non-metallic mineral?

  5. When pure water boils vigorously, the bubbles that rise to the surface are composed primarily of

  6. The species that has the same number of electrons as \({}_{17}^{35}Cl\) is

  7. How much CO 2is produced on heating of 1 kg of carbon?

  8. Which one of the following elements is least reactive with water?

  9. 20 g of common salt is dissolved in 180 g of water. What is the mass percentage of the salt in the solution?

  10. Which one of the following methods can be used to separate anthracene from a mixture of salt and anthracene ?


Important Questions from Basic Concepts of Chemistry

  1. Which of the following pair is correct?

    I. Isotopes – different mass numbers

    II. Isobars – different atomic numbers

  2. Which of the following is a zone of a flame?

    I. Dark

    II. Luminous

    III. Non-Luminous

  3. Sphalerite is an ore of:

  4. If formula of sodium salt of an anion X is \(Na_2X\) , then the formula of its aluminium salt would be

  5. Which of the following set contains same number of molecules?

    A. 1 gram O 2, 2 grams SO 2

    B. 1 gram CO 2, 1 gram N 2O

    C. 1 gram O 2, 1 gram O 3

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
501 Tests 1 Tests Free
770 Attempts
4.7(129)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App