State the number of water molecules present in crystals of washing soda and Plaster of Paris. What are these water molecules called?

What is the chemical formula of gypsum?

How is bleaching powder prepared? Why does bleaching powder $(i)$ not dissolve completely in water?

$(a)$ Write the chemical name and chemical formula of washing soda.
$(b)$ How is it obtained from sodium chloride? Give equations of the reactions.
$(c)$ Why is it called a basic salt? Give any one of its uses.

$A$ sulphate salt of a Group $2$ element of the Periodic Table is a white,soft substance,which can be moulded into different shapes by making its dough. When this compound is left in the open for some time,it becomes a hard solid mass and cannot be used for moulding purposes. Identify the sulphate salt and explain why it shows such behavior. Provide the chemical reaction involved.

$(a)$ Study the following chemical equation:
$CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O \xrightarrow{373K} CaSO_4 \cdot \frac{1}{2}H_2O + \frac{3}{2}H_2O$
Name the reactant and the product. State one use of the product.