JAMB - Chemistry (1979 - No. 30)
Weighed salts Y and Z were left exposed in the laboratory overnight. In the morning Y had gained weight, and Z had become liquid. What conclusion could be drawn about the nature of the two salts?
Z is efflorescent
Y and Z are efflorescent
Y and Z are deliquescent
Y and Z are hygroscopic
Y is deliquescent
Explication
A deliquescent compound is a compound that, on exposure to the atmosphere, tends to absorb moisture from the atmosphere in large quantities. Hence, Y and Z are hygroscopic. Deliquescent materials are sufficiently hygroscopic and dissolve in the water they absorb, forming an aqueous solution.