Consider the following statements The purpose of adding sodium sulphate and sodium silicate to the detergent in a washing powder is 1. To keep the washing powder dry 2. To maintain the alkalinity of the powder Which of these statements is/are correct?

Both statements are correct. Sodium sulfate is widely used in powder detergents as an inexpensive bulking/filler and processing aid; it standardizes bulk density and markedly reduces caking, helping the powder remain free‑flowing and “dry” on storage. Sodium silicate appears as a routine ingredient in powder formulations; it functions as a strongly alkaline builder/auxiliary that raises and buffers wash solution pH, helps emulsify greasy soils and protects fabrics/metal parts during washing (i.e., it maintains alkalinity during the wash). Together the filler (sodium sulfate) and alkaline builder (sodium silicate) perform the two stated roles.