A compound which is prepared from gypsum has the property of hardening when mixed with proper quantity of water. Identify the compound. Write chemical equation to preapar the compound. Mention one important use of the compound.

Explanation

The compound is Plaster of Paris `(CaSO_(4)""^(1//4)H_(2)O).` It is formed from Gypsum `(CaSO_(2).2H_(2)O)`upon heating to a temperature of 373 K and also changes back to Gypusm on adding water. Plaster of Paris is used for setting fractured bones.
`underset("Gypsum")(CaSO_(4.))2H_(2)to underset("Plaster of Paris")(CaSO_(4)""^(1//2))H_(2)O+3//2H_(2)O`
`CaSO_(4.)""^(1//2)H_(2)O+3//2H_(2)OtoCaSO_(4.)2H_(2)O`