What is hard water? Why is it sometimes undesirable?

Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts. It is undesirable because it forms scale in pipes and boilers, reduces soap lather, and causes skin dryness. It also leads to inefficient washing and increased detergent usage

Related Questions:

  1. List the impurities present in rainwater.
  2. List toxic substances present in household wastes.
  3. In what ways do industrial wastes pollute water?
  4. What is water pollution?
  5. List some waterborne diseases.
  6. What are pathogenic microorganisms?
  7. List two ways in which lakes and streams become polluted.
  8. Give chemical equations for the reaction of slaked lime with alum.
  9. Give a chemical equation for the reaction of carbonated rainwater with limestone.
  10. Write a chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when temporary hard water is boiled.
  11. Write a chemical equation for the interaction of Ca²⁺ ions with sodium zeolite.
  12. How can buildings made of limestone be affected by acid rain?
  13. Make a list of main methods of softening hard water. In each case, write an equation to summarize chemical reactions involved.
  14. List some disadvantages of water hardness.
  15. What are the Earth’s four main water sources?
  16. How does hard water differ from soft water?
  17. Write balanced chemical equation to show the effect of heat on magnesium hydrogen carbonate in an aqueous solution.
  18. Describe the water treatment process in municipal water supplies.
  19. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY-WATER
  20. Explain the major sources of water pollution and their effects.