Question:

Which of the following statements are correct regarding methods used to remove hardness of water? I. Temporary hardness due to Ca and Mg bicarbonates can be removed by boiling. II. In Clark's process, lime is used to precipitate calcium carbonate. III. Calgon softens water by forming soluble complexes with Ca$^{2+}$ and Mg$^{2+}$.

Show Hint

Calgon = “Calcium Gone” → forms complexes with Ca$^{2+}$ and Mg$^{2+}$ preventing scaling.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • I, II, III
  • I, II only
  • II, III only
  • I, III only
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Hardness of water is mainly due to dissolved calcium and magnesium salts. Different chemical methods are used to remove temporary and permanent hardness.

Step 1: Statement I Boiling decomposes bicarbonates: \[ Ca(HCO_3)_2 \xrightarrow{\Delta} CaCO_3 \downarrow + CO_2 + H_2O \] Thus, temporary hardness is removed →

Correct

Step 2: Statement II Clark's process uses Ca(OH)$_2$: \[ Ca(HCO_3)_2 + Ca(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2CaCO_3 \downarrow + 2H_2O \] Thus, calcium carbonate precipitates →

Correct

Step 3: Statement III Calgon (sodium hexametaphosphate) forms soluble complexes: \[ Ca^{2+}, Mg^{2+} \rightarrow \text{complex ions (no precipitation)} \] Thus, it removes hardness →

Correct

Final Conclusion: All three statements are correct.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0