Which characteristic of sodium fluoride makes it suitable for water treatment?

Which characteristic of sodium fluoride makes it suitable for water treatment?

• A. It is highly soluble
• B. It has a strong taste
• C. It forms precipitates
• D. It is alkaline

Answer: (A)

Sodium fluoride's high solubility in water is the key characteristic that makes it suitable for water treatment. When added to water, sodium fluoride dissolves easily, allowing it to effectively distribute throughout the water supply. This solubility ensures that the desired concentrations of fluoride can be maintained and readily accessed by the population, contributing to dental health by preventing tooth decay. The characteristics of sodium fluoride, such as a strong taste, the formation of precipitates, or being alkaline, do not support its primary function in water treatment. A strong taste may make it undesirable for consumption, while forming precipitates can lead to complications in water clarity and quality. Alkalinity, although it affects water chemistry, is not as directly beneficial in the specific context of fluoride's role in water treatment for dental health purposes. Thus, solubility is the critical factor that allows for effective implementation in the treatment process.

Sodium fluoride's high solubility in water is the key characteristic that makes it suitable for water treatment. When added to water, sodium fluoride dissolves easily, allowing it to effectively distribute throughout the water supply. This solubility ensures that the desired concentrations of fluoride can be maintained and readily accessed by the population, contributing to dental health by preventing tooth decay.

The characteristics of sodium fluoride, such as a strong taste, the formation of precipitates, or being alkaline, do not support its primary function in water treatment. A strong taste may make it undesirable for consumption, while forming precipitates can lead to complications in water clarity and quality. Alkalinity, although it affects water chemistry, is not as directly beneficial in the specific context of fluoride's role in water treatment for dental health purposes. Thus, solubility is the critical factor that allows for effective implementation in the treatment process.