The ions responsible for permanent hardness in water are sulphates of

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024 Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

The ions responsible for permanent hardness in water are sulphates of 
Answer Details

Permanent hardness in water is mainly caused by the presence of certain metal ions, specifically the **sulfates (SO₄²⁻)** and **chlorides (Cl⁻)** of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). These compounds do not precipitate out when the water is boiled, which means they remain dissolved and continue to contribute to the hardness of the water.


Among the options you provided, the ions responsible for permanent hardness in water are the **sulfates of calcium (Ca²⁺)** and **magnesium (Mg²⁺)**. The presence of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) in water keeps it hard.


When compared to temporary hardness, which can be removed by boiling the water to precipitate bicarbonates, **permanent hardness cannot be removed by boiling**. Instead, methods such as ion exchange or the use of water softeners are required to remove these ions from the water.


In summary, the ions causing permanent hardness in water are the **sulfates of calcium (Ca²⁺)** and **magnesium (Mg²⁺)**. These ions remain dissolved and continue to make the water hard, despite boiling.

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