A student needs to convert a hydrated salt to its anhydrous form using a crucible. Which of the following steps is essential in this process?

• A. Cooling the crucible rapidly after heating
• B. Heating the crucible to a high temperature until no more water vapor is released
• C. Adding water to the crucible to dissolve the salt
• D. Using a Buckner funnel to filter the salt

Answer: (B)