Temporary hardness in water is due to which one of the following of Calcium and Magnesium?

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NDA (Held On: 23 Apr 2017) General Ability Test Previous Year paper
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  1. Hydrogen carbonates
  2. Carbonates
  3. Chlorides
  4. Sulphates

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Hydrogen carbonates
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NDA 01/2025: English Subject Test
30 Qs. 120 Marks 30 Mins

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Hydrogen Carbonates.

Key Points

  • Temporary hardness is due to the presence of Calcium hydrogen carbonate Ca(HCO3)2(aq) and Magnesium hydrogen carbonate Mg(HCO3)2(aq).
  • The hydrogen carbonates of both Calcium and Magnesium decompose upon heating.
  • The original insoluble carbonate is reformed when water is boiled.
  • The following is the precipitation reaction -
    • Ca(HCO3)2(aq) → CO2(g) + H2O(l) + CaCO3
    • Mg(HCO3)2(aq)CO2(g) + H2O(l) + MgCO3
  • Boiling of water results in the removal of Magnesium and Calcium ions from water, and thus its hardness.
  • This is the reason why it is called temporary hardness.

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