The Calgon process removes permanent water hardness efficiently without forming physical precipitate — Hydrogen Chemistry Question
Question
The Calgon process removes permanent water hardness efficiently without forming physical precipitates. Calgon is chemically Sodium Hexametaphosphate ($Na_6P_6O_{18}$). What is the precise mechanism by which Calgon renders hard water suitable for laundry?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Calgon ($Na_2[Na_4(PO_3)_6]$) softens water by sequestering. It exchanges its internal $Na^+$ ions for the troublesome $Ca^{2+}/Mg^{2+}$ ions to form massive, soluble complex anions like $Na_2[Ca_2(PO_3)_6]$. Since the calcium is trapped in the complex, it cannot precipitate soap as scum.
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