Question

A compound which is prepared from gypsum has the property of hardening when mixed with a proper quantity of water. Identify the compound. Write the chemical equation for its preparation. For what purpose is it used in hospitals?

Answer 1

When gypsum is heated at 373 K, it gives plaster of paris,

${\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to \underset{\mathrm{plaster}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{paris}}{{\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}}+1\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Plaster of paris becomes hard when the appropriate amount of water is available.

$\underset{\mathrm{plaster}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{paris}}{{\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}}+1\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to {\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

In hospitals, it is used as a plaster to support broken or fractured bones.