Final answer:
The correct equation representing the dehydration of MgCO₃·5H₂O is 1) MgCO₃·5H₂O → MgCO₃ + 5H₂O, where the hydrated compound loses water to form an anhydrous compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which of the following equations properly represents the dehydration of MgCO₃·5H₂O, we should identify the equation in which water (H₂O) is released from the hydrated compound, leaving behind the anhydrous form. The correct equation is:
1) MgCO₃·5H₂O → MgCO₃ + 5H₂O
This equation indicates that one molecule of magnesium carbonate pentahydrate loses five molecules of water, resulting in anhydrous magnesium carbonate. This process is called dehydration, which is the removal of water from a compound. Thus, option 1 is the proper representation of dehydration.