Question

What is the chemical formula of Gypsum?

Answer 1

Hint:The gypsum is a compound of calcium ion, and sulphate ion, and water molecules are attached to it. It is also known as calcium sulphate dihydrate. It is mainly found in white colour.

Complete step by step solution:
> First, we know that Gypsum is a compound of mainly calcium. It is prepared from the reaction of calcium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate with the dilute sulphuric acid.
The chemical reaction of the preparation of gypsum is
CaCO$_3$ (s) + H$_2$SO$_4$(aq) $\rightarrow$ CaSO$_4$(s) + CO$_2$(g) + H$_2$O (l)
> Now, we can see calcium sulphate is formed as the product with the water molecules, and they further combine to form the calcium sulphate dihydrate.
> Thus, we can write the chemical formula of gypsum, as mentioned also known to be calcium sulphate dihydrate CaSO$_4$.2H$_2$O.
> Thus, from the chemical formula we can say it is a compound of calcium, sulphate ions, and water molecules.
In the last, we can conclude that the chemical formula of gypsum is CaSO$_4$.2H$_2$O.

> Additional information: Gypsum is used as reactant in the production of Plaster of Paris. It is used in the manufacturing of cement, and as well as a drying agent. It is the main component of blackboard chalk. It is also used in the preparation of many compounds such as ammonia, calcium nitrate, and bleaching powder.

Note: Don’t get confused between the no. of water molecules present in the gypsum. From the chemical name of gypsum, we can identify the no. of water molecules, just write it down carefully.