Question

What is the chemical formula of Epsom salt?
a) $MgS{{O}_{4}}.2{{H}_ {2}} O$
b) $MgS{{O}_{4}}.5{{H}_ {2}} O$
c) $MgS{{O}_{4}}.7{{H}_ {2}} O$
d) $MgS{{O}_{4}}.9{{H}_ {2}} O$

Answer 1

Hint: It is a component of hot baths and foot soaks which helps us in reducing stress and acts as a good healing agent.

Complete step by step answer:
Epsom salt is a combination of magnesium and sulphate ions. The chemical formula of Epsom salt is $MgS{{O}_{4}}.7{{H}_ {2}} O$
It is soluble in water but not soluble in ethanol.
Epsom salt is a colourless crystalline substance formed by the reaction of magnesium hydroxide with sulphur dioxide in presence of air.
Magnesium sulphate occurs naturally as the mineral kieserite $(MgS{{O}_ {4}}. {{H}_ {2}} O) $
Epsom salt baths have astounding health benefits and are an excellent way to destress and detoxify the whole body.
The name Epsom salt comes from its origination of a bitter saline spring found at Epsom in Surrey, (England) unlike other naturally occurring salts, Epsom salts are formed by a pure mineral compound containing magnesium and sulphate.
Epsom salt which is $(MgS{{O}_{4}}.7{{H}_ {2}} O) $ has orthorhombic structure.
An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in the people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, etc.
Low levels of magnesium can ease pain and swelling thus, Epsom salt acts as a rescue agent and reduces pain.
So, option (c) is correct.

Additional information:
More than 325 energies in our body require magnesium to properly function. Magnesium stimulates nerve and muscle function, limits inflammation and improves oxygenation and blood through the body. Both magnesium and sulphate stimulate the detoxification pathway in the body.

Note: It is important to remember the number of water of crystallization (which is seven in Epsom salt) because in many competitive exams they ask directly. Do not get confused with this number.