Question

In the preparation of gypsum products, an increase in the water/powder ratio will?

1) increase the surface hardness
2) increase the compressive strength
3) accelerate the setting reaction
4) none of the above

Answer 1

An increased water/powder ratio in gypsum product preparation leads to a decrease in compressive strength and surface hardness, and it may delay the setting reaction. Hence, the correct option is 4) none of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the preparation of gypsum products, adjusting the water/powder ratio can significantly affect the material properties. If you increase the water/powder ratio, it results in a more diluted gypsum mix, which means that after setting, the solid material will have less strength. Therefore, an increase in the water/powder ratio will:

1. Not increase the surface hardness,
2. Decrease the compressive strength, and
3. Not necessarily accelerate the setting reaction. It may actually delay it because the excess water needs more time to evaporate or be absorbed in a chemical reaction.

To directly answer the question, the correct option according to the given choices would be:

4) none of the above.