Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali ions usually anhydrous?

Explanation

To answer the question "Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali ions usually anhydrous?", we can break down the explanation into several steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Alkali Metals**: Alkali metals include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). They are known for their reactivity and tendency to form salts.

2. **Size of Lithium Ion**: Lithium ion (Li⁺) is the smallest among all alkali metal ions. This small size results in a higher charge density.

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