Temporary hard water can be
softened by boiling. Permanent
hard water is softened by using
washing soda or an ion exchange
column.
Explain how an ion exchange
column works!
The column contains sodium ions which
are positively charged. The calcium and
magnesium ions have a greater charge.
Therefore they displace the sodium ions.
The sodium is soluable and will dissolve in
the water. This means the hard water will
now be soft.
Advantages of hard water!
1) CA2+ ions in the water are good for
the teeth and bones. 2)Studies show
that people who live in a hard water
area have a lower risk of developing
heart disease.
What causes hardness?
Water hardness is caused by the
CA2+ and MG2+ ions in the water. This
comes from the rocks and mountains
that the rain lands on.
what are the two types of hardness?
temporary and permanent.
What are the differences between the two?
Permanent contains: magnesium
sulphate and calcium sulphate ions.
temporary contains: magnesium
hydrogen carbonate and calcium
hydrogen carbonate ions.
Describe the creation of temporary hard water!
co2 in the air and clouds rains onto limestone rocks
and mountains. Forming CA2+ and creating calcium
hydrogen carbonate.