GED Science Practice

What is the characteristic of water that contains salts like calcium and magnesium ions that limit the formation of lather with soap?

1. Halflife

2. Hard water

3. Hibernation

4. Hereditary

The correct answer is: Hard water

The characteristic of water that contains high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium ions is referred to as hard water. This type of water is known for its inability to form lather with soap effectively. When soap is added to hard water, the calcium and magnesium ions react with the soap molecules, forming insoluble compounds known as soap scum rather than allowing for the desired lather. In contrast, soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals, allows soap to lather easily. This distinction is important in various practical applications, including washing and cleaning, where the efficiency of soap is significantly impacted by the hardness of the water used. Understanding the properties of hard water is useful not only in domestic settings but also in industrial processes where water quality is critical.