Hard water does not easily produce lather with soap because it contains

Options

A. Only `Mg^(2+)` ions
B. Only `Ca^(2+)` ions
C. both `Mg^(2+)andCa^(2+)` ions
D. both `Na^(+)andK^(+)` ions

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Hard Water**: Hard water is water that does not easily form lather with soap. This characteristic is primarily due to the presence of certain dissolved minerals.

2. **Identifying the Components of Hard Water**: The main components that contribute to the hardness of water are the bicarbonate salts of calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺).

3. **Reaction with Soap**: When soap is added to hard water, the calcium and magnesium ions react with the soap. This reaction leads to the formation of insoluble compounds, which do not dissolve in water, resulting in the formation of a curdy precipitate instead of lather.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, hard water does not easily produce lather with soap because it contains calcium and magnesium ions, which react with soap to form insoluble salts.

5. **Final Answer**: Hard water does not easily produce lather with soap because it contains calcium and magnesium ions.

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