Clark's method softens water by eliminating temporary hardness. It involves adding a strictly calcul — Hydrogen Chemistry Question
Question
Clark's method softens water by eliminating temporary hardness. It involves adding a strictly calculated amount of slaked lime ($Ca(OH)_2$). What is the primary chemical risk of adding an *excess* of slaked lime during this process?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
Clark's method depends on precise stoichiometry: $Ca(HCO_3)_2 + Ca(OH)_2 \rightarrow 2CaCO_3 \downarrow + 2H_2O$. If excess $Ca(OH)_2$ is added, the unreacted, soluble $Ca^{2+}$ ions remain in the water, ironically recreating the very hardness the process was meant to cure.
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