Define soft and hard water.

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Soft and Hard water
Soft Water Hard Water
Water free from soluble salts of calcium and magnesium is called soft water
Water contains soluble salt of calcium or magnesium is called hard water
It gives lather with soap(sodium or potassium salt of higher fatty acids
It does not gives lather with soap. This is because of the insoluble soap (calcium or magnesium stearate)
It is suitable for use such as drinking, cooking etc.
There are two types of hardness, Temporary Hardness, and Permanent Hardness.
Temporary Hardness: It occurs due to the dissolved bicarbonate of calcium and magnesium. [Ca(HCO₃)₂ and Mg(HCO₃)₂]. it can be easily removed by just boiling and filtering the water.
Permanent Hardness: It occurs due to dissolved chlorides and sulphates of calcium and magnesium. it cannot be removed by simpler methods like boiling or filtration.
The most common examples of soft water are distilled water and rain water
The most common examples of hard water are the water of springs, wells, and rivers.

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