$(a)$ Differentiate between soap and detergent.
$(b)$ Explain why soaps form scum with hard water,whereas detergents do not.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A)
$Soaps$ $Detergents$
$(i)$ $Soaps$ are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain carboxylic acids. $(i)$ $Detergents$ are ammonium or sulphonate salts of long-chain carboxylic acids.
$(ii)$ $Soaps$ have lesser cleansing action compared to detergents. $(ii)$ $Detergents$ have better cleansing action compared to soaps.
$(iii)$ $Soaps$ are made from animal or plant fats. $(iii)$ $Detergents$ are made from petrochemicals.
$(iv)$ $Soaps$ are biodegradable. $(iv)$ $Detergents$ are generally non-biodegradable.

$(b)$ Hard water contains $Ca^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ ions. These ions react with the long-chain fatty acid part of the soap to form insoluble precipitates known as scum,which hinders the cleaning process. Detergents,however,form soluble salts with these ions,so they do not form scum and work effectively in hard water.
Chemical reaction: $2C_{17}H_{35}COONa + Ca^{2+} (Mg^{2+}) \longrightarrow (C_{17}H_{35}COO)_{2}Ca (Mg) + 2Na^{+}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

An organic compound $'A'$ has a molecular formula $C_{2}H_{6}O$. $'A'$ on oxidation gives compound $'B'$,which produces effervescence with baking soda.
$(i)$ Identify $'A'$ and $'B'$.
$(ii)$ Write the chemical reaction of $'B'$ with baking soda.

Pentane has the molecular formula $C_5H_{12}$. It has

What is the boiling point of propanone (in $;K$)?

Which type of compound is formed,if one hydrogen of an alkane compound is substituted by a hydroxyl $[-OH]$ group?

Ethanol reacts with sodium and forms two products. These are

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo