Question

What is Plaster of Paris used for?

Answer 1

1. Three types of plaster are plaster of Paris, the other two are a combination of cement, sand, water, Portland cement and lime plaster made of Calcium hydroxide$\left(\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\right)$ and sand, and cement plaster.
2. Plaster of Paris has a chemical formula${\mathrm{CaSO}}_4·1/2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$.
3. Also known as Gypsum Plaster.
4. The Plaster of Paris can be prepared by heating Gypsum at $120°\mathrm{C}$. $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{CaSO}}_{4·}2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)\to {\mathrm{CaSO}}_{4·}1/2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3/2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right) \\ \mathrm{Gypsum}\mathrm{Plaster}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{Paris} \end{gathered}$$
5. It is used in making sculptures, and ceilings or roofs.
6. Plaster of Paris is fire-resistant so it is used in buildings to prevent fire. Also, some metals are coated with Plaster of Paris to avoid fire.
7. Chalks are made up of Plaster of Paris.
8. Used in decorative materials and casting of ornaments.
9. It is also used by doctors in case of fracture. The plaster wrapped around the injured bone and fixed that bone.