Question

A compound which is prepared from gypsum has the property of hardening when water is mixed in right quantity with it:

1. Write common name and the chemical name of this compound.
2. Give chemical equation for its preparation.
3. List its two uses.

Answer 1

1. Common Name: Plaster of Paris
   Chemical Name: Calcium sulfate hemihydrate
2. Chemical Equation for Preparation:
   \[\ce{\underset{Gypsum}{CaSO4 ·2H2O} ->[373K]\underset{POP}{CaSO4.{1/2} H2O} + {3/2} H2O}\]
3. Uses: 
   1. Used in the construction industry for making plaster, moulds, and casts.
   2. Used in medicine for casting and setting fractured bones.