Question

Hard water deposits (calcium carbonate) have built up around your bathroom sink. which of these substances would be most effective in dissolving the deposits

Answer 1

The answer would be:  vinegar (acetic acid).

To dissolve deposit that calcified, you need to dissolve the calcium. Calcium is one of the metal that makes base pH. It will react with acid compound and produce a molecule of water. Ammonia, bleach, lye , and baking soda are all base and won't react with the calcium carbonate. Vinegar is acid and will react to it.

Answer 2

Hello!

Vinegar would be most effective in dissolving the deposits of Hard Water.

Vinegar (CH₃COOH) is a weak acid, while Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃), being the salt of a weak acid, will be a weak base. These two compounds will react together in the following way:

2CH₃COOH + CaCO₃ → (CH₃COO)₂Ca + H₂CO₃

H₂CO₃ reacts further to yield Water and CO₂

H₂CO₃ → H₂O + CO₂(g)

So, vinegar would be effective at dissolving CaCO₃, and we should see bubbles as a proof that a reaction has occurred.

Have a nice day!