Question

Gypsum is:
A. $CaS{O}_4.H_{2}O$
B. $CaS{O}_4.2H_{2}O$
C. $2CaS{O}_4.H_{2}O$
D. $CaS{O}_4$

Answer 1

Hint: Firstly we should be clear that the compound talked about is gypsum. Widely used in chemical works and various other purposes like extracting the plaster of paris for the purpose of white washing and other things. Now apart from that it has a chemical formula of $CaS{O}_4.2H_{2}O$. Now it has water of crystallization in its initial mineral state that will change when the plaster of paris is made.

Complete step by step answer:
In the given question we have to find out the correct formula as per the stats and facts. Now here we know that it is a mineral. And that mineral will change into plaster of paris.
Firstly we should be aware with what are the cations and anions:
Talking about the physical structure we can say that Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral. It is also composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. So it is a chemical compound with the chemical formula of $CaS{O}_4.2H_{2}O$. It is a widely used material in the industry and has a great industrial influence over various industries.
It is also widely mined. Along with that it is also used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms of plaster, blackboard/sidewalk chalk, and drywall.

Therefore, option (B) Stephen, is correct.

Note: The word gypsum is derived from the Greek word (gypsos), "plaster".Because the quarries of the Montmartre district of Paris have long furnished burnt gypsum (calcined gypsum) used for various purposes, this dehydrated gypsum became known as plaster of Paris. Upon addition of water, after a few tens of minutes plaster of Paris becomes regular gypsum (dihydrate) again.