During lime softening, the hardness-causing ions are transformed into which form as pH rises?

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Multiple Choice

During lime softening, the hardness-causing ions are transformed into which form as pH rises?

Explanation:
Raising pH during lime softening shifts the carbonate balance in the water so that hardness ions move from dissolved forms to solid precipitates. As lime adds OH−, the carbonate system shifts toward carbonate (CO3^2−), which readily combines with calcium to form calcium carbonate and with magnesium to precipitate as hydroxide/carbonate phases. In short, the hardness-causing ions change from soluble to insoluble as carbonate minerals precipitate, removing hardness from the water.

Raising pH during lime softening shifts the carbonate balance in the water so that hardness ions move from dissolved forms to solid precipitates. As lime adds OH−, the carbonate system shifts toward carbonate (CO3^2−), which readily combines with calcium to form calcium carbonate and with magnesium to precipitate as hydroxide/carbonate phases. In short, the hardness-causing ions change from soluble to insoluble as carbonate minerals precipitate, removing hardness from the water.

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