A substance is said to be hygroscopic if it _______
A substance is said to be hygroscopic if it _______
- A) does not absorb moisture
- B) is suspended in water
- C) dissolves when it absorbs moistures
- D) hydrolysis in water
Correct Answer: C) dissolves when it absorbs moistures
Explanation
Hygroscopicity is a property of substances that enables them to absorb moisture from the air. This means that if a substance is hygroscopic, it can absorb water vapour from the atmosphere. The question is asking us to identify what it means for a substance to be hygroscopic. From the options given, option C is correct. A substance is said to be hygroscopic if it dissolves when it absorbs moisture.
Hygroscopic substances are commonly used as drying agents or desiccants due to their ability to absorb moisture. Examples of hygroscopic substances include calcium chloride, silica gel, and concentrated sulfuric acid. When these substances are exposed to air, they can absorb moisture and become wet. This property is useful in many different industrial and scientific applications, including the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and the storage of electronic components.
Option A, which states that a substance that is hygroscopic does not absorb moisture, is incorrect. Option B, which states that a substance that is hygroscopic is suspended in water, is also incorrect. Option D, which states that a substance that is hygroscopic hydrolyzes in water, is incorrect as well.
In summary, a substance is said to be hygroscopic if it dissolves when it absorbs moisture. This property is useful in many different applications and is exhibited by certain substances such as calcium chloride, silica gel, and concentrated sulfuric acid.