Question

What is the difference between a hydrate and an anhydrate?
a.) An anhydrate is a hydrate with the water removed.
b.) They are two separate and different compounds.
c.) An anhydrate is a hydrate with the ‘an’ removed.
d.) They are different words for the same thing.
e.) A hydrate is an anhydrate with the water removed.

Answer 1

Hint: We can choose here the right option only when we understand the difference between these two terms hydrate and anhydrate. The anhydrates are compounds like copper sulfate and have different colors and properties. Thus first we will define these two as:
Hydrate-A hydrate is a compound that has a specific number of water molecules in its structure. In the first step, the mole-to-mole ratio between the water part and the anhydrate part of the compound will also be calculated.

Complete answer:
The name of the substance remaining after water is removed from a hydrate is anhydrate. Often this is done through the heating of the compound, which eliminates the water molecules as steam.
Thus from above it is clear that anhydrate is a substance with water removed while hydrate is a substance which contains water.
Hence the correct option is A.

Note: Some of the application of anhydrides are- Anhydrides are suitable for use as drying agents as silica gel is one of the most used anhydrates for absorbing water molecules. In many finished products, a packet of silica gel is kept for water absorption. It helps keep the area secure and prevents the molds from growing.