The empirical formula for the ratio of moles H2O over moles anhydrous salt is MgSO4 - 7 H2O. The percent composition of the hydrate of water is 50.8%. When heating hydrates to a very high temperature, the physical bonds are broken and the water is then evaporated from the substance. Prior to heat being added to the magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, the substance was very brittle in tiny little pieces. However, after heat was added to the substance for several minutes, the substance became very powdery and more condensed than before. The particles inside the substance have clumped together, thus, making the substance more concentrated as well and not being small crystals anymore. One unusual aspect that occurred during the experiment was adding
