What is gypsum ? What happens when gypsum is heated to 100℃ (373K)? (b) Name a sodium compound which is used for making borax and glass. (c) Name the compound which is used in hospitals for setting fractured bones. Which is the real bleaching powder agent in the bleaching powder?
ChemistryClass 10ICSEAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
- Gypsum is calcium sulphate dehydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) and when heated to a temperature of 373K it loses three-fourth of its water of crystallization and forms plaster of Paris (CaSO4.1/2H2O)
- Sodium carbonate or washing soda is used to make borax and glass
- Plaster of Paris is used for setting fractured bones because on addition of water to this turns hard mass and if we mould a layer around the fractured part it solidifies and supports the damaged bone hence heal the fracture.
- Bleaching powder is also called calcium chlorohypochlorite because a little of mixture of hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid