1. Write the unbalanced equation:
CuSO₄·5H₂O(s) → CuSO₄(s) + H₂O(g)
2. Balance the hydrogen atoms:
CuSO₄·5H₂O(s) → CuSO₄(s) + 5H₂O(g)
3. The equation is now balanced.
Balanced Equation:
CuSO₄·5H₂O(s) → CuSO₄(s) + 5H₂O(g)
Explanation:
* CuSO₄·5H₂O(s): Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, a blue solid.
* CuSO₄(s): Anhydrous copper(II) sulfate, a white solid.
* H₂O(g): Water vapor.
Key points:
* The process of heating copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate to remove the water molecules is called dehydration.
* The water molecules are driven off as vapor.
* The anhydrous copper(II) sulfate is a white solid, while the pentahydrate is blue. This color change is a visual indicator of the dehydration process.
