Drying agents are extremely important in chemistry and electronics. In this Technical Note, Dr. Shawn* explains his own method to convert household magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) into a very useful tool to remove excess water from both the air and from chemical solvents.

Magnesium sulfate is available at almost any grocery story or pharmacy. Other chemicals mentioned in this video can be secured from Amazon.com through the following affiliate links:

Sodium Sulfate: http://amzn.to/2BUus9A
Calcium Sulfate* (AKA gypsum) http://amzn.to/2GKJaPw
Calcium Chloride*: http://amzn.to/2F4m6Ox
Potassium Carbonate: http://amzn.to/2CIletH

Any proceeds go to support LabRats Science Education Program.

*Shawn Carlson holds a Ph.D. in nuclear physics from UC Los Angeles. He is the founder of the Society for Amateur Scientists, LabRats Science Education Program, and Engagement Education. His work has been featured in numerous national publications. He is a former columnist for Scientific American and Make magazines, and a winner of the MacArthur "genius" Prize for his innovative approaches to inspiring people to love learning STEM. See: https://www.macfound.org/fellows/604/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_C...

This video is sponsored by the LabRats Science Education Program: http://www.LabRats.org