What is the chemical formula of Gypsum

CONCEPT:

Gypsum and Its Chemical Formula

• Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate.
• The chemical formula of gypsum is CaSO₄·2H₂O, which means it consists of one calcium sulfate unit combined with two water molecules.
• Gypsum is widely used in the construction industry (e.g., for making plaster of Paris and drywall) and in agriculture as a soil conditioner.

EXPLANATION:

•  MgSO₄·7H₂O - This is the chemical formula of Epsom salt, not gypsum.
•  Na₂SO₄·18H₂O - This is the chemical formula of Glauber's salt, not gypsum.
• CaSO₄·1/2H₂O - This is the chemical formula of plaster of Paris, not gypsum. Plaster of Paris is obtained by heating gypsum and removing most of its water content.
•  CaSO₄·2H₂O - This is the correct chemical formula of gypsum.
• Thus, the correct answer is  CaSO₄·2H₂O.

Therefore, the chemical formula of gypsum is CaSO₄·2H₂O.