With which of the following anions, $Mg^{2+}$ and $Ca^{2+}$ ions form salts responsible for permanent hardness of water?
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Remember: "Bicarbonates are Boilable" (Temporary). "Sulfates and Chlorides are Constant" (Permanent). This mnemonic helps distinguish between the two types during exams.
Hardness in water is caused by the presence of dissolved multivalent metallic cations, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hardness is classified into two types: temporary and permanent.
1. Temporary Hardness:
This is caused by the bicarbonates ($HCO_3^-$) of calcium and magnesium. It is called "temporary" because it can be easily removed by boiling.
2. Permanent Hardness:
This is caused by the presence of soluble
chlorides ($Cl^-$) and
sulfates ($SO_4^{2-}$) of calcium and magnesium[cite: 74]. These cannot be removed by boiling and require chemical treatment like ion exchange or the use of washing soda.
3. Specific Salts Involved:
Typical salts responsible for permanent hardness include:
• Calcium Chloride ($CaCl_2$) [cite: 74]
• Magnesium Chloride ($MgCl_2$) [cite: 74]
• Calcium Sulfate ($CaSO_4$) [cite: 74]
• Magnesium Sulfate ($MgSO_4$) [cite: 74]
Therefore, the anions responsible for permanent hardness are $Cl^-$ and $SO_4^{2-}$[cite: 74].