A hydrate is heated to determine the % water by mass in the hydrate. During heating of the hydrate a small chip is broken off of the lid of the crucible and falls to the lab bench without being noticed. What effect will this have on the calculated value of the % water by mass?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The loss of a chip from the crucible lid will not affect the mass of the hydrate, but it will reduce the total mass of the crucible and its contents. This will make the calculated mass of water lost appear larger, leading to a higher calculated % water by mass.

A Hydrate Is Heated to Determine the % Water by Mass