Substances that readily absorb moisture from other substances without chemically reacting with them are called
- Adesiccants
- Bdeliquescent substances
- Cefflorescent substances
- Ddehydrating agents
- ENone of the above/More than one of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (a) desiccants
Explanation
Desiccants are drying agents that take up moisture from other substances without reacting with them chemically, such as silica gel and anhydrous calcium chloride, used to keep medicines and electronics dry.
Deliquescent substances (NaOH, CaCl₂) absorb so much moisture that they dissolve in it; efflorescent substances (washing soda) lose their water of crystallisation to the air; dehydrating agents (conc. H₂SO₄) remove water by reacting.