Question

During the process of setting up gypsum, heat is given off, causing a(n) ____________?

Answer 1

During the process of setting up gypsum, heat is given off, causing a(n) exothermic reaction. When gypsum sets, it undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration. This reaction occurs when water is added to gypsum, forming calcium sulfate dihydrate. During this hydration process, heat is released as a byproduct, which is why it feels warm to the touch. This heat is what causes the exothermic reaction.

Answer 2

During the setting up of gypsum, an exothermic reaction occurs, releasing heat and causing the material to harden. This process increases the temperature of the surroundings.

Step-by-step explanation:

When gypsum sets, it undergoes an exothermic reaction, which means it releases heat as it hardens. This heat release is typical of many plaster-based materials as they change from a more fluid to a solid state, like in the hardening of plaster containing slaked lime, represented by the chemical equation Ca(OH)2 + CO2.

An exothermic process can raise the temperature of the surroundings, in contrast to an endothermic process which absorbs heat and cools the surroundings.