Water is a universal solvent. It is a chemical substance which is transparent, colourless, odourless and tasteless. Water is categorised into two types. They are hard water and soft water. These two types are not differentiated based on their touch and feel or appearance. This difference is based on the mineral content of each.
Hard water:
The water with naturally present minerals like magnesium and calcium with detectable amount is called hard water. These minerals are beneficial for health. They add flavour to hard water.
Soft water:
It is treated water. It is left with only cations and that is sodium. It has a salty taste.
To make you understand how hard water and soft water are different from each other, here are some of the major differences between hard water and soft water:
| Difference between Hard water and Soft water | |
|---|---|
| HARD WATER | SOFT WATER |
| It is rich in minerals | Contains very few elements |
| Soap is not so effective | Soap is easily effective |
| No foam and lather from soaps | Bubbly lather from soaps |
| Leaves spots on the washed dishes after they are dried | Does not leave any spots on dishes after they are dried |
| Contains minerals like magnesium and calcium | Contains sodium ion |
| Sometimes preferred drinking water | Sometimes not preferred drinking water |
| Example: Groundwater like deep wells | Example: Rainwater |
| Hair and skin become dry | Hair and skin become soft |
These were some of the important difference between soft water and hard water. To know differences between other topics in chemistry you can register to BYJU’S or download our app for simple and interesting content. India’s largest k-12 learning app with top-notch teachers from across the nation with excellent teaching skills. Find notes, question papers for other subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Biology and various competitive exams as well. Enjoy learning with great experience. Learning is no more boring with BYJU’S.
Related Links:
| Classification of hard water | Properties of water |
This post is very helpful for me to clear the concept of hard water and soft water. I hope, you will further work on this topic to share insight knowledge for the user. Thanks
This is the Best Class My friends told Me about and really Your first question I search for has given me the best and simple answer.
your artical is very hery helfull for me thamks
I got the answer for tomorrow’s test tanks a lot
nice i like it very very much this difference is very useful in papers this makes our number in papers 100%