

However, we already know how absorption works as the positive ion attracts the negative ion, forming a weak hydrogen bond. This phenomenon completely depends on the relative amount of salt and water. If the amount of water is not more than that of salt then salt makes bonds to form a hydrate structure ie salt absorbs water, but if the amount of water is more than that of salt, it can be dissolved to form a salt solution. How Can Salt Absorb Water if it can be Dissolved in it? Some salts have the property to become a solution after absorbing a specific amount of water. The polarisation of anion and polarising power of cation decides the polarity and structure of the salt because of deformation of the structure by the attraction between the nucleus and electrons of the atoms of elements present in the salt. The more polar the salt is, the more its reactivity will increase towards the water. Water is a polar compound that dissolves polar solute in it.Īs the structure and geometry decide the dipole moment of salt, its solubility will be affected.

Now the question arises what is deliquescent? Salt absorbs so much water into it that it becomes a solution.

Salt can even become deliquescent it happens when the relative humidity is 75% or above. Salt has a special ability to absorb water from the surroundings. That is the reason why we usually see salt clumps in humid temperatures. Na atom attracts O atom, Cl atom attracts H atom of atmospheric water forming a moisturized salt. The chemical components of salt have positive and negative charges, and they attract the opposite charge on atmospheric water.įor eg in common salt NaCl, Na has a positive and Cl has a negative charge on it whereas in H2O, O atom has a negative charge and H atoms have a positive charge. Mainly because of salt’s hydrophobic property and having positive and negative charges on it. We all know that salt has a high capacity to absorb water from the environment. Conclusion Why does Salt Absorb Atmospheric Water?
