Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 26

What ions are found in hard water? What happens when water is "softened"?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Hard water contains calcium (Ca^2+) and magnesium (Mg^2+) ions. Water softening involves removing these ions and replacing them with sodium ions (Na^+). This process reduces scale formation, improves soap lathering, and prevents buildup in pipes, ultimately enhancing cleaning and increasing the efficiency and lifespan of appliances and plumbing systems.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the ions found in hard water.

Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), in the form of Ca^2+ and Mg^2+ ions. These ions can come from natural sources such as dissolved limestone and dolomite in the water. The presence of these ions in the water leads to various problems, such as the formation of scale on appliances, reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents, and clogging of pipes.
02

Explain the process of water softening.

Water softening is a process that removes the calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness, and replaces them with sodium ions (Na^+). One common method used for water softening is called ion exchange. In this process, hard water passes through a bed of resin beads that are charged with sodium ions (Na^+). The calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the negatively charged resin beads, effectively exchanging places with the sodium ions. The result is softened water containing more sodium ions and fewer calcium and magnesium ions.
03

Describe what happens when water is softened.

When water is softened, the calcium (Ca^2+) and magnesium (Mg^2+) ions are removed and replaced with sodium (Na^+) ions. This results in water with a lower concentration of hardness ions and a higher concentration of sodium ions. The softened water is more effective for cleaning purposes, as it reduces the formation of scale on appliances, improves the lathering of soaps and detergents, and prevents buildup in pipes. Additionally, using softened water can extend the lifetime of appliances and plumbing systems, as well as contribute to more efficient energy usage.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Predict some possible compounds that could form between chlorine and selenium.

Fluorine reacts with sulfur to form several different covalent compounds. Three of these compounds are \(\mathrm{SF}_{2}, \mathrm{SF}_{4}\), and \(\mathrm{SF}_{6}\). Draw the Lewis structures for these compounds, and predict the molecular structures (including bond angles). Would you expect \(\mathrm{OF}_{4}\) to be a stable compound?

Write balanced equations describing the reaction of \(\mathrm{Sr}\) with each of the following: \(\mathrm{O}_{2}, \mathrm{~S}, \mathrm{Cl}_{2}, \mathrm{P}_{4}, \mathrm{H}_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\), and \(\mathrm{HCl}\).

Write equations describing the reactions of Sn with each of the following: \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}, \mathrm{O}_{2}\), and \(\mathrm{HCl}\).

Elemental boron is produced by reduction of boron oxide with magnesium to give boron and magnesium oxide. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free