Question

(a) What is the common name of the compound CaOCl₂?
(b) Name the raw material used for the preparation of plaster of Paris.
(c) Which property of plaster of Paris is utilised in making casts for broken limbs in hospitals?
(d) Explain why chlorine is used for sterilising drinking water supply.

Answer 1

(a)The common name of the compound CaOCl₂ is bleaching powder.

(b) The raw material used for the preparation of plaster of Paris is gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O).

(c) Plaster of Paris has a property of setting into a hard mass in about half an hour after wetting with water. This property is utilised in making casts for broken limbs in hospitals.

(d) Chlorine is a disinfectant used for sterilising drinking water supply in order to kill disease-causing bacteria that the water or water pipes might contain.