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Chapter 20: Problem 24

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Hard water contains ions such as calcium (Ca^2+), magnesium (Mg^2+), iron (Fe^2+), manganese (Mn^2+), and sometimes aluminum (Al^3+). When water is "softened," the calcium and magnesium ions are replaced with sodium (Na^+) or potassium (K^+) ions using an ion exchange process, reducing water hardness and improving soap lathering. Softened water, however, may contain higher sodium or potassium content.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Hard Water

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions. These ions can cause various problems, such as reduced soap lathering, formation of scale in pipes and appliances, and possibly negative health effects.
02

Ions Found in Hard Water

The primary ions found in hard water are calcium (Ca^2+) and magnesium (Mg^2+) ions, which come from the dissolution of minerals like limestone, dolomite, and gypsum in the water source. Other ions such as iron (Fe^2+), manganese (Mn^2+), and sometimes aluminum (Al^3+) can also be present depending on the geology of the area.
03

Understanding Water Softening

Water softening is a process that aims to remove or reduce the concentration of the calcium, magnesium, and other ions responsible for water hardness. The most common method of softening water is through ion exchange, which involves using a substance (usually a resin) to exchange the hard ions (Ca^2+ and Mg^2+) with other ions, typically sodium (Na^+) or potassium (K^+) ions.
04

The Result of Softened Water

When water is softened, the calcium and magnesium ions are replaced with sodium or potassium ions, reducing water hardness. This results in better soap lathering, less scale formation in pipes and appliances, and reduced chances for the negative health effects associated with hard water. However, softened water can have higher sodium or potassium content, which should be taken into consideration for people on sodium-restricted diets or those with certain health conditions.

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