Solution ✔ Verified
Answer
Water of crystallisation is the fixed number of water molecules that are present in the crystal structure of a salt. These water molecules are a part of the salt and give it its shape and colour.
Examples:
- Copper(II) sulphate – CuSO₄5H₂O
- Gypsum – CaSO₄2H₂O
Proof:
- When blue copper sulphate crystals (CuSO₄·5H₂O) are heated, they lose water of crystallisation and become white anhydrous copper sulphate (CuSO₄).
- When water is added back to the white powder, it turns blue again, showing that water of crystallisation affects the colour and state of the compound.