JAMB Chemistry 1980 Question 45

Question 45

Water

Detergents are more advantageous than soaps in hard water districts because

  1. A.on treatment with hard water they either form soluble calcium salts or do not react with calcium ions
  2. B.on treatment with hard water they form soluble calcium salts
  3. C.on treatment with hard water they form sodium salts
  4. D.on treatment with hard water they are converted into soaps
  5. E.on treatment with hard water they form more lather than soap does
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (on treatment with hard water they either form soluble calcium salts or do not react with calcium ions)

Explanation

Soap forms an insoluble scum with Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, wasting it. Soapless detergents give soluble calcium salts (or don't react), so they still lather.