Question 34

The metal salts formed during softening of hard water using Clark's method are

Solution

Clark's method of water softening involves adding slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, $$Ca(OH)_2$$) to hard water that contains temporary hardness (bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium).

Reaction with calcium bicarbonate:

$$Ca(HCO_3)_2 + Ca(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2CaCO_3 \downarrow + 2H_2O$$

Calcium bicarbonate reacts with calcium hydroxide to form insoluble calcium carbonate ($$CaCO_3$$), which precipitates out.

Reaction with magnesium bicarbonate:

$$Mg(HCO_3)_2 + 2Ca(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2CaCO_3 \downarrow + Mg(OH)_2 \downarrow + 2H_2O$$

Magnesium bicarbonate reacts with calcium hydroxide to form insoluble calcium carbonate and insoluble magnesium hydroxide ($$Mg(OH)_2$$), both of which precipitate out.

Therefore, the metal salts formed during softening of hard water using Clark's method are $$CaCO_3$$ and $$Mg(OH)_2$$.

The correct answer is Option B: $$CaCO_3$$ and $$Mg(OH)_2$$.