7 Guide Questions

• What is water of crystallization?

  Water molecules that are chemically bound within a crystal structure.
• Why is water of crystallization important?

  It is essential for maintaining the crystal's shape and stability.
• What is water of constitution?

  Water chemically bonded within a molecule, released during a chemical reaction.
• When is water of constitution released?

  When the compound undergoes a chemical reaction, such as during decomposition.
• What is adsorbed water?

  Water that is physically bound to the surface of materials through weak forces.
• How is adsorbed water held to materials?

  Through weak forces, such as van der Waals forces, without forming a chemical bond.
• What is sorbed water?

  A general term for water held on or within a substance.
• What are the two ways sorbed water can be held?

  Through adsorption (surface-bound) or absorption (penetrated within the material).
• What is occluded water?

  Water trapped within pores, cavities, or voids inside a solid material.
• How is occluded water different from other types of water?

  It is physically confined but not chemically bound.
• Why is it important to heat and cool the crucible and sample to room temperature before weighing?

  It ensures accurate measurements and prevents distortion of balance readings.
• What can hot objects create that affects weighing accuracy?

  Air currents that can distort the balance readings.
• What does cooling prevent during weighing?

  Thermal expansion, which could lead to incorrect mass values.
• If a hydrate is not heated sufficiently, what happens to the percent water calculated?

  The percent water calculated would be too low.
• Why would the percent water be too low if the hydrate is not heated sufficiently?

  Remaining water adds extra mass to the sample, making mass loss seem smaller.
• What are some systematic errors encountered in the experiment?

  Incomplete removal of water, contamination, inaccurate weighing, and loss of sample.
• How can contamination affect the experiment?

  It can lead to inaccurate measurements and results.
• What can cause inaccurate weighing in the experiment?

  Residue or moisture on the crucible can lead to inaccurate readings.
• What is a potential issue during handling or heating of the sample?

  Loss of sample during handling or heating can occur.
• For accurate weighing, the crucible and sample must be at room temperature for stability.