Question

How many water molecule(s) is/are present in gypsum?

Answer 1

Hint: Gypsum which is a very common sulphate is a non-toxic mineral. The chemical formula of gypsum is $CaS{O_4}2{H_2}O$ and its chemical name is Calcium Sulphate dihydrate. Gypsum consists of calcium sulphate, water attached to oxygen, and is useful to humans, plants, and animals. Nova Scotia which is home to the largest gypsum quarry in the world is owned by National Gypsum.

Complete step by step answer:
Plaster of Paris reacts with water and it forms gypsum. The reaction involved in this process is written below:
$CaS{O_4}.\dfrac{1}{2}{H_2}O + 1\dfrac{1}{2}{H_2}O \to CaS{O_4}.2{H_2}O$ (Gypsum)

In the above, the reaction we can produce gypsum has two water molecules.

Note: Gypsum is used in different forms:
Uses of Gypsum powder: - When gypsum stone is heated a white coloured powder is obtained which is smooth and is called gypsum powder and is used as a fertilizer to prevent soil erosion, improves soil composition, helps the movement of air and water, and facilitates root growth and also balances mono-nutrients like iron, zinc, etc. It is also used in making drywalls.
Uses of Gypsum in agriculture: - By providing sulphur and calcium gypsum gives nutrients to plants. Calcium helps in the absorption of nutrients in the roots and sulphur improves the crop yield. Gypsum can improve acid soils and also it helps in treating aluminium toxicity. The water infiltration process can be improved by using gypsum.
Uses of Gypsum Board: - Drywalls or wallboard, plasterboard is also known as gypsum board and has excellent fire resistance. Gypsum boards are easy to install and it also helps in sound isolation by preventing the transfer of unnecessary sound. With greater durability gypsum boards are less expensive.
Gypsum is added to water to separate the impurities from water.