Question

Which of the following is true?

• A. Soaps are more effective in hard water than detergents.
• B. Detergents are more effective in hard water than soaps.
• C. Detergents and soaps are equally effective.
• D. The type of water doesn't affect the effectiveness of detergents or soaps.

Answer 1

The correct option is B 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 which reduces the effectiveness of soap. Detergents do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water. Hence, detergents are more effective in hard water.