Question detail
Which of the following is a benefit of using chlorine in water treatment?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
- A. It is a natural substance
- B. It is inexpensive and effective
- C. It improves the taste of water
- D. It is non-toxic
Answer
It is inexpensive and effective
Explanation
Chlorine is widely used in water treatment because it is both inexpensive and effective at killing bacteria and viruses, making it a practical choice for ensuring safe drinking water.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Chlorine's Role
Students often confuse the role of chlorine in water treatment as solely a disinfectant, neglecting its role in oxidation and the formation of chlorinated compounds.
Chlorine acts as a strong oxidizing agent in water treatment. When chlorine is added to water, it reacts to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which kills bacteria and other pathogens. The reaction can be summarized as: Cl2 + H2O ⇌ HOCl + HCl. This shows that chlorine not only disinfects but also contributes to the formation of chlorinated by-products.
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