Melting Point: Melting point of the anhydrous form is about 680 °C or 1,256 °F. The heptahydrate loses its water upon heating and decomposes at lower temperatures.

Density: The anhydrous form of zinc sulfate has a density of about 3.5 g/cm³, while the heptahydrate form is around 1.95 g/cm³ in density.

pH: A solution of zinc sulfate is slightly acidic with pH from about 4.5 to 6.

Taste: It is sour though not normally taken for eating.

Chemical properties

Reactivity with Acids: Zinc sulfate reacts with concentrated and strong acids like hydrochloric acid HCl, to produce zinc chloride ZnCl2, sulfuric acid H2SO4, and hydrogen gas H2.

Reactivity with Bases: It may react with strong bases to give zinc hydroxide Zn(OH)2, which is an insoluble compound and precipitates from the solution.

Thermal Decomposition: Zinc sulfate is decomposed on heating to give zinc oxide ZnO, sulfur trioxide SO3, and oxygen O2.

Hydration and Dehydration: The heptahydrate ZnSO4 H2O loses water when it is heated, yielding the anhydrous ZnSO4.

Redox Reactions: Zinc ions can accept and donate electrons to act as either an oxidising agent or a reducing agent under particular conditions with which they can undergo redox reactions.

Application

Agriculture:

It is used as a micronutrient fertilizer to counter zinc deficiency in crops.

Very useful in plant growth and also raises crop yields.

Animal Feed:

Mixed with animal feed to provide the required minimum level of zinc that will guarantee adequate growth and well-being of the animals.

Medicines:

Used to manufacture drugs especially in the curative treatment of zinc deficiency and in drugs for skin irritations and infections.

Chemical Industry:

Used in the manufacture of other zinc compounds and as a precursor in the manufacture of zinc oxide.

Textile Industry:

Used as a dyeing agent and quality improver of fabrics.

Water Treatment:

Used as a coagulant in the treatment of wastewater in removing impurities from the water.

Electroplating:

Used in galvanization as a protective coating of metals against corrosion by zinc.

Reagent in Laboratory:

Used as a reagent in several chemical analysis and experiments.

Batteries:

It has been utilized in certain kinds of batteries, mainly the zinc-carbon variety.

Conclusion

Zinc sulfate is an essential compound that is of great value across many sectors. By its use in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, animal nutrition, and other industrial processes, it is clear that zinc sulfate holds value for growth, health, and production. Such excellent physical and chemical properties, such as solubility and reactivity, explain the effectiveness of zinc sulfate in these applications. Thus, zinc sulfate is still an essential micronutrient and industrial reagent in modern agriculture, health sciences, and chemical industries as a necessary substance in our daily life.

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Zinc Sulfate Formula

The chemical formula for zinc sulfate is

Physical properties

Appearance: It typically has a crystalline white appearance. The heptahydrate is crystalline, colorless.

Solubility: Zinc sulfate is highly soluble in water. Its solubility increases with temperature. Heptahydrate especially solves well in water.