Question

Distinguish between the two terms absorbed and hydrated water.

Answer 1

The difference between Absorbed water and Hydrated water is:

Absorbed water: In this system, the water molecules enter into the bulk (inner part) of the solid or liquid material and this process may be chemical (reactive) and phsical (non reactive).

Example for physical absorption: absorption of water in a sponge. In this water molecules will enter into the inner surface of the sponge.

Example for Chemical absorption: Soda Water, in this CO2 gas is absorbed by H2O molecules.

Hydrated Water: In this, the water molecules are trapped into the surface of the material and do not form a solution. Due to this, the properties of that compound will change. These water molecules may be attached via the covalent bond or hydrogen bond.

for example: CuSO4.5H2O which is in blue colour which is hydrated by 5 mol H2O/ CuSO4