What will happen if heating is not controlled while preparing Plaster of Paris? (b) Write an equation to show the reaction between plaster of Paris and water.

(a) If heating is not controlled while preparing Plaster of Paris, then all the water of crystallisation of gypsum is eliminated and it turns into a dead burnt plaster.

(b) CaSO4.1/2H2O + 1 1/2H2O → CaSO4.2H2O