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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Hydrogen  ·  NEET & JEE

Calgon (sodium hexametaphosphate) softens water by:

Answer: Forming soluble complexes with Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions (sequestration).

  • A Forming soluble complexes with Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> ions (sequestration)
  • B Precipitating the calcium and magnesium ions as insoluble salts
  • C Exchanging the hardness ions for sodium ions on a resin bed
  • D Removing the hardness ions through simple distillation

Correct answer: A. Forming soluble complexes with Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> ions (sequestration)

Explanation: Calgon sequestrates Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> by forming stable soluble complexes, preventing them from causing hardness.

Hydrogen Bonding Network in WaterOHHOHHOHHOHHDashed green lines = hydrogen bonds (weaker than O-H covalent bonds)

Each water molecule's O-H bonds (covalent, solid) can hydrogen-bond (dashed) to neighbouring molecules, forming an extended network responsible for water's unusually high boiling point and density anomaly.

Concept context

The simplest and most abundant element in the universe. Study its unique position in the periodic table, isotopes (protium, deuterium, tritium), properties of water and hydrogen peroxide, and industrial uses.

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