Question

Which of the following option(s) 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. Detergents work only in soft water.

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 an 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. They are long chains of ammonium or benzene sulphonic acids and form lather easily even with hard water. Therefore, detergents are more effective in hard water than soaps.