Question

Which of the following is/are true?

• A. Soaps are more effective in hard water than Detergents
• B. Detergents are more effective in hard water than Soaps.
• C. Both are equally effective
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B Detergents are more effective in hard water than Soaps.

Detergents are more effective in hard water than Soaps.
The hardness of water is due to the presence of Calcium and Magnesium salts. Soaps react with these salts to form insoluble precipitate in water; this reduces the effectiveness of soap. Detergents do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water as they are ammonium or sulphonate salts of carboxylic acid. Hence, detergents are more effective in hard water.