The hydration number, often referred to as the hydration number or hydration shell, is a concept in chemistry that describes the number of water molecules that surround a given ion or molecule in solution. This number is important because it provides insight into the interactions between solutes and solvents, affecting solubility, stability, and chemical reactivity. The hydration number can vary based on several factors, including the size and charge of the ion or molecule, the concentration of the solution, and the temperature.
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