Verified Solution Science Acids, Bases and Salts

How is plaster of Paris prepared? What reaction takes place when it sets to a hard mass?

537 views 64 helpful Updated May 31, 2025
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Answer

Plaster of Paris (POP) is prepared by heating gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) at about 150°C. This removes part of the water of crystallisation.

The reaction is:
CaSO₄·2H₂O → CaSO₄·½H₂O + 1½ H₂O (water vapor)

When POP is mixed with water, it absorbs water and sets into a hard mass by changing back to gypsum.

The setting reaction is:
CaSO₄·½H₂O + 1½ H₂O → CaSO₄·2H₂O

This forms a hard, solid mass because of the formation of interlocking crystals.

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