Question:

Gypsum is added to cement to:

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Gypsum prevents flash setting of cement by retarding the rapid hydration of \(C_3A\).
  • Accelerate setting
  • Retard setting
  • Increase strength
  • Reduce heat of hydration
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Gypsum is added to cement to control the setting time. Without gypsum, cement may set very quickly due to rapid reaction of \(C_3A\).

Step 1:
Cement contains tricalcium aluminate: \[ C_3A \]

Step 2:
\(C_3A\) reacts very fast with water.

Step 3:
If this reaction is not controlled, flash setting occurs.

Step 4:
Gypsum slows down the reaction of \(C_3A\), thereby increasing the setting time. Therefore, gypsum is added to cement to: \[ \boxed{\text{Retard setting}} \]
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