An element with electronic configuration 2, 8, 1 forms a compound with carbonate. How does this compound remove both temporary and permanent hardness of water?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Element**:
- The element with the electronic configuration of 2, 8, 1 is Sodium (Na), which has an atomic number of 11.

2. **Form the Compound**:
- Sodium can form a compound with carbonate (CO3^2-). The compound formed is Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).

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