Multiple choice

Why are detergents preferred over soap in hard water?

  1. They are free flowing and easily available.

  2. They do not precipitate with calcium or magnesium salts in hard water.

  3. They change the hard water into soft water.

  4. They form scum, which can easily be removed.

  5. They have fresh odour.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, detergents are ammonium or sulphonate salts of carboxylic acids. The charged ends of these compounds do not form precipitates with calcium or magnesium salts in hard water. Hence, detergents retain their cleansing property in hard water.

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