Home
Class 12
CHEMISTRY
Why soaps do not work in hard water ?...

Why soaps do not work in hard water ?

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions . When sodium or potassium are dissolved in water . Calcium and magnesium ions react with soap to form insoluble scum . This scum sticks to the fibres of the fabric and interferes with the cleansing action of soap .
Promotional Banner

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER (WITH ANSWERS) JUNE 2016

    SUBHASH PUBLICATION|Exercise PART D|12 Videos

  • SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER (WITH ANSWERS) JUNE 2016

    SUBHASH PUBLICATION|Exercise PART B|8 Videos

  • SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM QUESTION PAPER JUNE 2018

    SUBHASH PUBLICATION|Exercise Part E|6 Videos

  • SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER JUNE - 2018

    SUBHASH PUBLICATION|Exercise PART -D|30 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

(a) Why are detergents called soapless soap ? (b) Why do soaps not work in hard water ?

(i) Describe the mechanism of cleansing action of soaps. (ii) Why do soaps not work in hard water?

Both soap and detergent are same type of salts. What is the difference between them ? Describe in brief the cleansing action of soap. Why do soaps not form lather in hard water?

(a) Complete the following equations : (i) nCH_(2) = CH_(2) rightarrow……….. (ii) CH_(3)COOH - NaHCO_(3)rightarrow …….+……+……. (b) What is the cause of hardness of water? Why soap does not form lather with hard water? Mention the disadvantage of cleaning clothes with soap in hard water?

A compound works well with hard water. It is used for making shampoos and products for cleaning clothes. 'A' is not 100% biodegradable and causes water pollution, 'B' does not work well with hard water. It is 100% biodegradable and does not create water pollution Identify A and B

(i) You have three unlabelled test-tubes containing ethanol, ethanoic acid and soap solution. Explain the method you would use to identify the compounds in different test tubes by chemical tests using litmus paper and sodium metal. (ii) Give the reason of formation of scum when soaps are used with hard water.

What is the composition of Permutit (Zeolite)? How does it works in softening of hard water?

Explain why it is difficult to wash clothes with soap when water is hard. How do detergents help in overcoming this problem?

Explain the formation of scum when hard water is treated with soap.

Explain the formation of scum when hard water is treated with soap