Anhydrate: Definition and Removal of Water in Chemistry

Anhydrate Definition

• Anhydrate refers to the removal of water from a hydrated compound, resulting in a dehydrated compound.
• The term "anhydrate" comes from the root words "an" meaning without and "hydrate" meaning to supply water.

Hydrated Compound

• A hydrated compound is a compound that contains water molecules.
• Hydrates are often in crystalline form and have a water molecule chemically bonded to another element or compound.
• When heated, hydrates lose their water molecules and become anhydrous.

Hydrate Formula

• Unknown hydrates are written in their base form with an "n" placed before, representing the number of moles of water.
• The empirical formula is the simplest ratio of elements in a compound.
• To determine the empirical formula of a hydrate, the value of "n" must be determined.

Finding the Formula of a Hydrate

• There are six steps to find the "n" moles of water in a hydrate:
  • Measure the mass of the hydrate and anhydrate.
  • Determine the amount of water removed from the hydrate.
  • Convert the mass of water to moles.
  • Convert the mass of anhydrate to moles.
  • Find the water to anhydrate mole ratio (n).
  • Use the mole ratio to write the formula.

Examples of Finding the Formula of a Hydrate

• Example One: If there are three moles of water for every one mole of anhydrate, the hydrate formula is .
• Example Two: If a 210.4g hydrate of Epsom salt is heated, and the final anhydrate mass is 120.4g, the hydrate formula is .
• Example Three: If there are 0.02 moles of anhydrate and 0.04 moles of water, the hydrate formula is .

Difference Between Hydrate and Anhydrate Compounds

• Hydrate compounds contain water molecules, whereas anhydrate compounds do not.
• Hydrates release water vapor when heated, whereas anhydrates do not.
• Hydrates can lose water through heat or reaction, whereas anhydrates can absorb water from the air.
• Hydrates are used for hydration purposes, whereas anhydrates are used as drying agents.
• Hydrates are used in applications to promote moisture, whereas anhydrates are used to prevent mold growth.

Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system is not crucial for daily survival but is necessary for the survival of humanity.
• The system "wakes up" at puberty and works with the male reproductive system to create a newborn baby.

Ova (Eggs)

• A newborn baby's journey begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg (ova) inside the female reproductive system.
• The female gamete (egg) is produced by the ovaries.

Female Duct System

• Sperm enters the female reproductive duct system through the 3- to 4-inch-long vagina.
• Sperm travels through the cervix and enters the uterus, which acts as a passageway at this stage.
• The journey through the duct system is difficult, and many sperm don't make it, but some reach the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian Tubes

• The two fallopian tubes extend off the top of the uterus and act as a passageway between the uterus and the ovaries.
• The tubes can become the site for fertilization if an egg is present.

Ovaries

• The ovaries are paired reproductive organs that produce eggs and are about the size of almonds.
• The ovaries contain tiny sacs called ovarian follicles that mature over a 1-month period.
• A fully matured follicle is called a Graafian follicle, and the egg inside is ready to break out and leave the ovary (ovulation).
• The ovaries also produce female sex hormones, which play a role in puberty, the menstrual cycle, and sustaining a pregnancy.

Fertilization and Pregnancy

• After ovulation, the freed egg is swept into the fallopian tube by fimbriae and can get fertilized by sperm if conditions are right.
• The fertilized egg travels through the duct system and implants into the thick uterine wall, where it receives nourishment to grow and develop during the 9-month pregnancy.
• The uterus stretches to accommodate the growing fetus, and the thick walls are necessary for this process.
• After nine months, the fetus is mature and is born through the vagina, which acts as the birth canal.

Learn about anhydrates, their definition, and how they are formed through the removal of water from hydrated compounds. Understand the concept of hydration and dehydration in chemistry.