Consider the following statements : The purpose of adding sodium sulph...
Sodium sulphate and sodium silicate are added to keep the washing powder dry. Sodium triphosphate or sodium carbonate is added to washing powder to maintain the alkalinity.
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Consider the following statements : The purpose of adding sodium sulph...
The correct answer is option 'A', which states that only statement 1 is correct. Let's understand why this is the correct answer by analyzing each statement individually:
1. To keep washing powder dry: Sodium sulphate is added to washing powder as a filler. It helps to bulk up the powder and prevent it from clumping together. Sodium sulphate is a desiccant, which means it has the ability to absorb moisture from the surroundings. By adding sodium sulphate to the washing powder, it helps to keep the powder dry and free-flowing.
2. To maintain the alkalinity of the powder: This statement is incorrect. Sodium silicate is added to washing powder, not to maintain the alkalinity, but for its detergent properties. Sodium silicate is commonly known as liquid glass and it acts as a binder and a corrosion inhibitor. It helps to bind the ingredients of the washing powder together and prevents the powder from deteriorating or becoming too dusty. Additionally, sodium silicate also has the ability to soften water, which aids in the cleaning process.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as sodium sulphate is added to washing powder to keep it dry. However, statement 2 is incorrect as sodium silicate is added for its detergent properties, not to maintain the alkalinity of the powder.