Introduction:
Gypsum powder is called Plaster of Paris which is white. Gypsum is very common in Paris, which is how it earned its name. Gypsum is commonly heated to a higher temperature to make plaster of Paris. This is a dry powder that is mixed with water and hardens. When drying, this becomes flexible. In the field of architecture, plaster of Paris is used in a variety of ways. A famous substance, found in gauze bandages and sculpture materials is called the plaster of Paris.
Components of Plaster of Paris
Gypsum that has been roasted and milled into a fine powder is called plaster of Paris. Chemically it is written as\(\;CaS{O_4}.{\rm{ }}\raise.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-.1em/\kern-.15em\lower.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$} {H_2}O\). Heat is generated as calcium sulfate transforms from its more soluble form\((CaS{O_4}.{\rm{ }}\raise.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-.1em/\kern-.15em\lower.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$} {H_2}O)\) to its comparatively insoluble state\((CaS{O_4}.{\rm{ }}2{H_2}O)\) when water is added.
Properties of Plaster of Paris
- POP is an ideal material for forming moulds because it doesn’t stretch or break when dried. Beautiful plasterworks, including cornices, are frequently constructed and maintained with this technique.
- It is neither flammable nor combustible. It has a relatively weak chemical reactivity but, in extreme cases, can operate as an oxidizing agent. Hazardous sulfur oxides are produced during decomposition at moderately high temperatures. It creates gypsum \(CaS{O_4}\) by a slow and exothermic reaction with water or air moisture.
Washing Soda
Properties
A white, odorless dust is called washing soda. It has a chemical name termed sodium carbonate decahydrate, and its formula is\(\;N{a_2}C{O_3}.10{H_2}O\).
Its water-absorbing nature allows it to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. It is very soluble in water and creates a very basic solution.
Preparation
Through Solvay’s method, washing soda is produced. It starts as sodium bicarbonate, which is heated to become sodium carbonate. Finally, sodium carbonate is recrystallized to generate washing soda.
\[NaCl + N{H_3} + C{O_2} + {H_2}O{\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}NaHC{O_3} + N{H_4}Cl\]
\[2{\rm{ }}NaHC{O_3} \to N{a_2}C{O_3} + {H_2}O + C{O_2}\]
\[N{a_2}C{O_3} + 10{H_2}O \to {\rm{ }}N{a_2}C{O_3}.10{H_2}O\]
Baking Soda
Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, also termed sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical substance with the formula \(NaHC{O_3}\). Bicarbonate anion (\(HC{O_3}^ – \)) and the sodium cation (\(N{a^ + }\)) combine to form baking soda.
Properties
- A white crystalline substance with a density of around 2.2 g/mL is known as sodium hydrogen carbonate. It tastes alkaline and is only slightly soluble in water. With an increase in temperature, sodium hydrogen carbonate becomes more soluble.
- It is well known that baking soda can neutralize odors. Baking soda is therefore widely used to remove false odors from freezers and other closed spaces.
Preparation
In the reaction of a saturated sodium carbonate solution and carbon dioxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) is formed. Due to its low solubility, the white powder of sodium hydrogen carbonate isolates out.
Summary
Gypsum (calcium sulfate) powder and water are combined to create the plaster of Paris, which quickly dries. Medical professionals use plaster of paris to fix broken bones. Orthopedic casts still frequently utilize plaster of Paris. Washing soda’s pH is higher than that of baking soda. Baking soda, like the Arm & Hammer variety containing sodium bicarbonate, is edible and safe to use on human skin. It is not advisable to consume, breathe, or put alkaline washing soda on the skin.
Frequently Asked Question
1. How to make the plaster of Paris waterproof?
Ans: When the plaster of Paris is cured, it transforms into a highly porous material that will absorb any water that comes into contact with it. Plaster of Paris must have as many surface gaps as possible blocked to behave as waterproof for outdoors or brief exposure to water.
2. Is baking soda a blood pressure raiser?
Ans: Hypertension: Sodium bicarbonate may raise blood pressure. The use of sodium bicarbonate should be prohibited by individuals who already have high blood pressure. Low blood potassium levels: Sodium bicarbonate may decrease blood potassium levels.
3. What occurs if the plaster of Paris is left out in the open?
Ans: Plaster of Paris is a kind of rapid gypsum plaster that hardens when moistened and left to dry as it reacts with the moisture in the atmosphere to form gypsum. It is composed of a fine white powder termed calcium sulfate hemihydrate.