Question

Choose the correct options regarding the difference between bathing soap and washing soaps?

• A. Bathing soap are potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, while washing soaps are sodium salts of long chain fatty acids
• B. Washing soap are potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, while bathing soaps are sodium salts of long chain fatty acids
• C. Washing soap are usually soft, while bathing soap are usually hard
• D. Bathing soap are usually soft, while washing soap are usually hard

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

Bathing soap are potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, while washing soaps are sodium salts of long chain fatty acids
Bathing soap are usually soft, while washing soap are usually hard

Depending on the nature of the alkali used in their production, soaps have distinct properties. Sodium hydroxide $\left(NaOH\right)$ gives "hard soap" that is used for washing, whereas, when potassium hydroxide $\left(KOH\right)$ is used, a soft soap is formed, which is used for bathing.