HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the HESI General Chairside Assisting Exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Understand each concept with detailed explanations and get exam-ready!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What action helps to slow the setting time of gypsum?

Mix with a high speed mixer
Mix slowly, for a short length of time
Use warm water for mixing
Leave it exposed to air

The correct answer is: Mix slowly, for a short length of time

Mixing gypsum slowly for a short length of time helps to slow the setting time because it allows for a more gradual incorporation of water into the gypsum powder. When mixed quickly, the particles collide with greater force, leading to a more rapid chemical reaction and a quicker set. Conversely, slower mixing reduces the energy given to the mixture, thus extending the time before it starts to set. Additionally, mixing for a shorter duration allows the consistency to remain manageable, preventing overly aerated or inconsistent mixes that can lead to quicker setting times due to the introduction of air. This technique is particularly beneficial in dental applications where precise working time is critical for effective use.