Which is the most effective drying agent at 27°C? — Chemical Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The most effective drying agent is the one that maintains the lowest equilibrium partial pressure of water vapour. For SrCl₂: P_H₂O = (2.56 × 10⁻¹⁰)^(1/4) = 4 × 10⁻³ atm. For Na₂HPO₄: P_H₂O = (2.43 × 10⁻¹³)^(1/5) = 3 × 10⁻³ atm. For Na₂SO₄: P_H₂O = (1.024 × 10⁻²⁷)^(1/10) = (1024 × 10⁻³⁰)^(1/10) = 2 × 10⁻³ atm. Since Na₂SO₄ has the lowest P_H₂O, it is the most effective drying agent. Therefore, correct answer is C.