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 ?

A compound which is prepared from gypsum has the property of hardening

1.	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» Solution :The compound prepared from GYPSUM on HEATING it at `100^@C` , is known as Plaster of Paris . Its chemical formula is `CaSO_(4).(1)/(2)H_(2)O`. Hence , its chemical name is calcium sulphate hemihydrate . The chemical equation for its preparation is as follows: `underset("Gypsum")(CaSO_(4).2H_(2)O)overset(100^@C)rarrunderset("Plaster of Paris")(CaSO_(4).1/2H_2O)+underset("Water")(1(1)/2H_(2)O)` Plaster of Paris is used in HOSPITALS mainly as plaster for supporting fractured bones in the right POSITION. In dentistry , it is used for making casts.