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Hard water in chemical terms is simply water with high minerals content. It is formed through the percolation of limestones, gypsum, and chalk deposits. Hard water is the subject of lots of recent studies due to the possible claims of its beneficial effects on overall health. Alternatively, hard water contains calcium salts and magnesium salts. These are found in the water as sulphates, chlorides, and bicarbonates. Soft water conversely is water that has low to no mineral contents and lacks dissolved salts. The difference between hard water and soft water, examples of hard and soft water has been studied here.
Hard water and Soft Water
In hard water, the salts produced from calcium bicarbonate are temporary as upon boiling it precipitates insoluble carbonate while the salts from other minerals are permanent. Iron can be present in hard water as ferric. Hard water and soft water are the topics of chemistry and are associated with other adjacent industries like cleaning products and the food industry. Hard water and soft water have industrial considerations, particularly in cleaning products. The hardness of water is strictly regulated in the creation of laundry soap or detergents. Hard water can lead to many problems in boilers.
Hard Water
High mineral presence in the content. Hard water has a peculiar taste. Foam is not formed under hard water’s effects. Boiling water can remove the dissolved salts. Hard water is formed through the limestones in natural settings. Water softening is used in boilers and cooling towers to regulate and control hard water. Complex geology in natural settings can produce hard water. Hard water does not have permanent properties. Hard water creates soap scum whose major element is calcium stearate. Hard water can also clog up pipes. The chemical formula for this soap scum is:
2 C17H35 COO- (aq) + Ca2+ (aq)→(C17 H35 COO)2 Ca (s)
Soft Water
Low to no mineral presence in the content in soft water. Sodium ions are present in soft water. The exchange of ions gives soft water through the use of sodium resins produces soft water. Boiling does not affect it. Has a briny taste. Foam is obtained here. Soft water is obtained from igneous rocks and peat sources. While soft water has no added health benefits, hard water does have. But soft water is useful for lather creation and in cleaning as well as laundry purposes.
Difference between hard water and soft water
The difference between hard water and soft water is:
Hard Water | Soft Water |
High mineral presence in the content | Low to no mineral presence in the content |
Has a peculiar taste | Has a briny taste |
Calcium and magnesium ions are present | Sodium ions are present |
Foam is not formed under hard water’s effects | Foam is obtained here |
Temporary hardness | Permanent hardness |
Boiling water can remove the dissolved salts | Boiling does not affect it |
Often formed naturally through the dissolving of magnesium, iron, or calcium and forming bicarbonates or sulphates or chlorides due to limestones | The exchange of ions gives soft water through the use of sodium resins |
Conclusion
Hard water and soft water are types of water that are distinguished based on mineral content. Hard water has dissolved salts and is high in minerals. Soft water has little to no minerals and lacks dissolved salts. Soft water does not have magnesium, iron, or calcium. Hard water has salts of magnesium as well as calcium as bicarbonates, sulphates, and chlorides.
