The notation  hydrated compound ânH2O , where n is the number of water molecules per formula unit of the salt, is commonly used to show that a salt is hydrated. The n is usually a low integer, though it is possible for fractional values to occur. For example, in a monohydrate n is one, and in a hexahydrate n is 6.
When does spring start? How you define the first day of spring depends on whether you follow the astronomical or meteorological seasons. This year, spring will take place between March 20 and June 21, if you use the astronomical method. But it starts slightly earlier, between March 1 and May 31, if you follow the meteorological calendar.
This year, the first day of fall will be on September 22, 2014. The Autumn Equinox, when the sun crosses the equator to move from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere, is often considered to be the first day of fall.