Question

What is the formula of Calgon? (a) \(\mathrm{MgSO}_{4}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{2}\) (d) \(\left(\mathrm{NaPO}_{3}\right)_{6}\)

Short answer

The formula of Calgon is \(\left(\mathrm{NaPO}_{3}\right)_{6}\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Product

Calgon is known as a water softener, and its chemical names are sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium polyphosphate.

Analyze the Options

The options provided are (a) \(\mathrm{MgSO}_{4}\), (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\),(c) \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{2}\),(d) \(\left(\mathrm{NaPO}_{3}\right)_{6}\).

Match the Options

Calgon, being sodium hexametaphosphate, matches with option (d) \(\left(\mathrm{NaPO}_{3}\right)_{6}\), which represents a polymeric phosphate of sodium.

Conclusion

Since Calgon corresponds to sodium hexametaphosphate, the correct chemical formula from the options given is option (d) \(\left(\mathrm{NaPO}_{3}\right)_{6}\).

Key concepts

sodium hexametaphosphate

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a chemical compound known for its water-softening properties. It is often used in household products and industrial applications under the trade name Calgon. This compound is essentially a salt formed from phosphoric acid and sodium, arranged in a unique linear arrangement. It's this structure that allows sodium hexametaphosphate to effectively bind with hard water ions, like calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for water hardness. By binding with these ions, sodium hexametaphosphate prevents them from forming scale and deposits that can damage appliances and plumbing. This makes it an essential component in the formulation of various cleaning agents and detergents.

water softening

Water softening is a crucial process in many households and industries to improve water quality. Hard water contains dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, which can cause several issues like clogging pipes and reducing soap effectiveness. Sodium hexametaphosphate helps in water softening by sequestering these minerals.
This means it effectively locks them in a soluble form, preventing precipitation and deposits.

• This not only prolongs the lifespan of water-using appliances but also enhances the efficiency of soaps and detergents, allowing them to lather more effectively.
• Softened water also improves the texture of clothes and the health of skin and hair.

Essentially, water softening with compounds like Calgon ensures a more efficient and pleasant household or workplace.

chemical formulas

Chemical formulas represent the composition of molecules and compounds using chemical symbols and numbers. These formulas provide critical information about the elements involved and their proportions. For example, in sodium hexametaphosphate, the formula \((\mathrm{NaPO_3})_6\) indicates that it consists of six sodium phosphate units connected in a chain.
Recognizing chemical formulas is vital in understanding the properties and reactivity of substances.

• A formula can hint at a substance's solubility, acidity, or ability to form complexes like those found in water softening applications.
• In Calgon's case, the chain-like structure of \((\mathrm{NaPO_3})_6\) is designed specifically to interact with metal ions, making it ideal for softening water.

Understanding these formulas helps in predicting and manipulating chemical behavior for practical applications.

polymeric phosphate

Polymeric phosphates like sodium hexametaphosphate comprise repeated phosphate units linked together, creating a long chain-like molecule. This molecular structure gives polymeric phosphates unique properties to interact with metal ions and prevent them from forming insoluble precipitates.
This interaction is crucial in applications such as water treatment, where mineral ion removal is necessary.

• The repeating units in polymeric phosphates provide multiple binding sites for calcium and magnesium ions, which are prevalent in hard water.
• This binding capability allows polymeric phosphates to keep these ions in suspension, thus preventing scale formation.

Overall, polymeric phosphates are valuable in maintaining equipment and plumbing integrity, reducing maintenance costs, and extending the life of appliances.