Question

‘A’ & ‘B’ are sodium salts of long-chain carboxylic acid and long-chain Sulphonic acid respectively. Which one of A or B will you prefer as a cleansing agent while using underground water (hand pump water)? Give the reason for your answer.

Answer 1

‘B’ is preferred for cleansing action. The calcium and magnesium salts present in underground water are precipitated with carboxylic acids. The Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ salts of sulphonic acid are soluble in water. ‘B’ is a more effective cleansing agent in the presence of Ca and Mg salts.