Question

Describe what is softening of hard water?

Accepted Answer

The water that forms rich lather with soap is known as soft water, while the water that does not form much lather with soap is called hard water. It is very difficult to form lather with hard water. Distilled water and rainwater are examples of soft water.

The hardness due to the presence of dissolved bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium can be removed by boiling the water. The boiling process converts the soluble bicarbonates into insoluble carbonates. Further, these insoluble carbonates can be separated by the process of filtration and makes the water soft.
The hardness caused due to the presence of dissolved sulphates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium cannot be removed by simple boiling because these salts are stable to heat. For removal of such salts, addition of sodium carbonate (washing soda) is required. Sodium carbonate reacts with the chlorides and sulphates to produce their respective insoluble carbonates. These insoluble salts can be easily separated by filtration and cause water softening.

Hard water can cause many diseases and is unfit for drinking purposes, but soft water is fit for consumption.

Hence, hard water should get converted to soft water before consumption.

Describe what is softening of hard water?

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