Practicing Success
Chemical formula of gypsum is _____. |
CaSO4.2H2O CaSO4.H2O CaSO4 CaSO4.(1/2)H2O |
CaSO4.2H2O |
The correct answer is option 1. \(CaSO_4.2H_2O\). Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral that has the chemical formula \(CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O\). Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulfate, meaning it contains water molecules within its crystal structure. The formula \(CaSO₄ \cdot 2H₂O\) indicates that each unit of gypsum consists of one calcium sulfate molecule (\(CaSO₄\)) combined with two water molecules (\(2H₂O\)). The water molecules are part of the crystal lattice and are not simply physically attached but are chemically bonded to the calcium sulfate. |