Consider the following statements. 1. Hard soaps (common bar soaps) are the sodium salts of fatty acids. 2. Soft soaps are the potassium salts of fatty acids and semi-solid in nature. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Only 1
Only 2
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

The correct answer is C. Both 1 and 2.

Hard soaps are the sodium salts of fatty acids. They are made by reacting sodium hydroxide (lye) with animal or vegetable fats. Hard soaps are typically white or off-white in color and have a high melting point. They are often used in bar soaps, hand soaps, and laundry detergents.

Soft soaps are the potassium salts of fatty acids. They are made by reacting potassium hydroxide (lye) with animal or vegetable fats. Soft soaps are typically clear or translucent in color and have a low melting point. They are often used in liquid soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.

Both hard and soft soaps are effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin. However, hard soaps can be drying to the skin, while soft soaps are more moisturizing.